Policy & Law

First Smartphone for Christmas? eco Association Offers Tips for Parents on Safe Entry into Social Media

At Christmas, many children will receive their first smartphone – and with it, usually access to social networks. In light of the ongoing discussion about age limits for social media platforms, Alexandra Koch-Skiba, Head of the eco Complaints Office, gives five practical tips on how parents can effectively support their children when they start using social media.

date 2025/12/10

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Policy & Law

eco Survey: Majority of German Population Wants Age Restrictions for Social Media – But Considers Them Unworkable

Against the backdrop of the current debate on age limits for social media platforms, eco has commissioned a new survey: According to the survey, 82 per cent of Germans are in favour of an age limit for social media, but more than half of those surveyed doubt the practical feasibility of such a regulation. That’s why eco is calling for practicable, data protection-compliant and uniform solutions across Europe.

date 2025/12/09

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Policy & Law

For a Strong Germany Stack: eco Association Calls for a Clear Line and Technological Openness

With the Germany Stack, the German Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation is creating the foundation for a central platform architecture. However, the Association of the Internet Industry sees a need for improvement: so far, all criteria lack clear definitions and a common frame of reference. For this reason, eco sets out fundamental requirements for a successful Germany Stack.

date 2025/12/08

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Policy & Law

eco Association: BMDS Budget Insufficient for Digital Breakthrough

eco Association assesses the budget of the BMDS (German Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation) for 2026, approved by the German Bundestag on Tuesday, as significantly too weak to effectively advance Germany’s digital transformation.

date 2025/11/27

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Policy & Law

eco Association on the Status of the CSAM Regulation: EU Council Must Ensure Clear Renunciation of Search Obligation in Trilogue

In the course of the upcoming trilogue negotiations on the European CSAM Regulation, eco warns against the introduction of mandatory chat control. This is because suspicionless searches of private communications without cause is contrary to fundamental rights, is technically misguided and endangers everyone’s security. Alexandra Koch-Skiba, Head of the eco Complaints Office, reaffirms this assessment in a current statement.

date 2025/11/27

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eco

eco Survey: Citizens Dissatisfied with Digital Administration – Digital Wallet Could Be a Turning Point

The digitalisation of public authorities in Germany remains a challenge. A representative survey commissioned by eco shows that the majority of citizens rate the current situation negatively. At the same time, there is growing openness towards government-provided digital identity solutions – provided they are secure, transparent and easy to use.

date 2025/11/24

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Policy & Law

European Summit on Digital Sovereignty: eco Welcomes EU Declaration and Calls for Pragmatic, Innovation-Friendly Policies in the European Single Market

With its new “Declaration for European Digital Sovereignty,” the EU makes it clear that digital sovereignty means the ability to act, not isolation. eco welcomes the declaration by the EU Member States on the occasion of the European Summit on Digital Sovereignty in Berlin and has also defined four key dimensions for digital sovereignty.

date 2025/11/20

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Policy & Law

Digital Omnibus: eco Association Sees Major Opportunity for Greater Clarity in Europe’s Digital Rules

The “Digital Omnibus” aims to better align key European regulations. Through this comprehensive reorganisation of digital laws, the European Commission seeks to reduce bureaucracy and to provide more guidance for both companies and public authorities. eco Association expressly welcomes this approach and sees the “Digital Omnibus” as an opportunity for more modern, clearer digital regulation.

date 2025/11/18

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Policy & Law

Together Against Sexual Abuse Online – What Professionals Need to Know

The German hotlines of eco, FSM and jugendschutz.net are hosting a webinar on 18 November for educational professionals, multipliers and all other interested parties on the occasion of the “European Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse”. The webinar provides practical knowledge and guidance.

date 2025/11/13

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Policy & Law

eco – Association of the Internet Industry on NIS-2: Late Start, Now Critical – Germany Must Create Trust and Clarity

A late start, but on the home stretch: Germany has managed the long run-up and will finally adapt the important NIS-2 implementation. The second stage of the EU infringement procedure hung over Berlin like a sword of Damocles for a long time; but now there is finally movement in the legislative backlog on cybersecurity.

date 2025/11/12

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Policy & Law

Mid-Year Review of the German Federal Government: Around Two-Thirds of Citizens Dissatisfied with Digital Policy

Half a year after the German federal government took office, citizens are drawing a sobering interim assessment: a recent YouGov survey commissioned by the eco Association shows that around two-thirds of the population are dissatisfied with the government’s digital policy.

date 2025/11/05

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Policy & Law

Data Retention: eco Warns Against Regression – Legal Certainty, Proportionality and Data Protection Must Remain Guiding Principles

The German federal government plans to store IP addresses for up to three months. From eco's point of view, this would be a step backwards in digital policy: renewed blanket data retention jeopardises fundamental rights, creates economic burdens and undermines trust in digital services. Instead, the association is calling for a legally compliant, proportionate and technically feasible solution that is aligned with the ECJ requirements.

date 2025/10/29

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Policy & Law

eco Managing Director Rabe Re-nominated as DSC Advisory Board Member by the German Bundestag

Today, eco Managing Director Alexander Rabe was once again nominated by a majority vote of the German Bundestag as a member of the Advisory Board of the Digital Services Coordinator (DSC) at the Federal Network Agency.

date 2025/10/16

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Policy & Law

eco – Association of the Internet Industry Warns Against Chat Control: No Weakening of Secure Encryption

The draft proposal by the Danish Council Presidency for the planned chat control carries significant risks for citizens, companies and critical infrastructure. Additionally, the latest Annual Report from the eco Complaints Office, which has been working with law enforcement agencies and international partners for over 25 years to combat illegal online content, underscores the high effectiveness of existing structures. eco is therefore calling on the German federal government and EU Member States to reject this proposal on 14 October.

date 2025/10/07

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Policy & Law

eco on the Launch of the EU’s “AI Apply” Strategy: Funding Must be Considered Comprehensively

Tomorrow, the European Commission will present its new “AI Apply” strategy, aiming to strengthen Europe as an AI hub and promote innovation. The eco Association welcomes this step, but calls for holistic implementation across all sectors.

date 2025/10/06

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