Policy & Law

German Federal Government’s 2024 Take-Down Report: Hotlines Remain Indispensable – Decline in Case Numbers Not a Sign of All-Clear

The German federal government reports 31,536 reports of child sexual abuse material in its latest evaluation report for 2024 – fewer than in the record year of 2023, but still significantly higher than in all previous years. The figures correspond to the latest reports from the eco Complaints Office.

date 2025/06/18

press

Datacenter

Artificial Intelligence and Data Centres Go Hand in Hand

With AI Gigafactories, the EU aims to catch up in AI development. At least one of the planned super data centres is supposed to be built in Germany — according to the federal government's goal. eco supports this initiative but warns of a bureaucratic obstacle hurdle.  

date 2025/06/10

press

Security

BKA Situation Report Confirms Urgent Need for Action: eco Calls for Consistent Cyber Resilience Strategies

In view of the growing threat posed by ransomware, eco – Association of the Internet Industry is calling for the consistent implementation of “security by design” and a significant rethink of cyber resilience in companies. Although investigative authorities are doing valuable work in investigating cyber attacks, private...

date 2025/06/05

press

Policy & Law

eco on the Investment Emergency Programme

The planned tax relief measures are long overdue, but are an absolutely correct step to move Germany forward as a business location. In the currently strained economic situation, the draft legislation marks a decisive turning point to promote growth – regardless of whether it concerns a large corporation or a family business.

date 2025/06/05

press

Policy & Law

Digital Tax Is a Serious Blow to Digitalisation in Germany and Transatlantic Relations

The eco – Association of the Internet Industry has strongly criticised the initiative by Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer to introduce a digital tax in the form of a “platform solidarity levy”.

date 2025/05/29

press

Policy & Law

eco Association on the Structure of the New Ministry of Digitalisation

Oliver Süme, Chair of the Board of eco, comments on the planned structure of the new Ministry of Digitalisation as outlined in the recently published organisational decree by the German federal government. Süme calls on the new federal government to quickly provide greater clarity regarding the subordinate agencies of this ministry and to consider data protection and data usage as interconnected issues.

date 2025/05/08

press

Policy & Law

eco Association Congratulates the New German Federal Government – Swift Implementation of Digital Policy Projects Now Required

eco congratulates the new German federal government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz and welcomes the establishment of an independent Ministry of Digitalisation. However, what counts now is implementation: the first 100 days must deliver concrete progress. The eco Association identifies key areas for action and calls for cross-departmental action with priority on digitalisation.

date 2025/05/07

press

Policy & Law

eco Association of the Internet Industry Presents Requirements for the Ministry of Digitalisation

eco – Association of the Internet Industry congratulates the designated Minister of Digitalisation and State Modernisation, Dr. Karsten Wildberger. The German government’s announcement that it will create an independent “Ministry of Digitalisation and State Modernisation” is an important political signal for the digital transformation of Germany as a business location, according to eco Association.

date 2025/04/29

press

Security

eco Association: Europe Urgently Needs A Successor for Stopped CVE Database

Following the withdrawal of US funding, the CVE project faces shutdown – a serious blow to the global cybersecurity infrastructure. Klaus Landefeld, Member of the eco Board, warns of the consequences and calls for a swift, coordinated solution.

date 2025/04/22

press

Policy & Law

DORA Reporting Period Begins: Supply Chain Security as a Predetermined Breaking Point

Regulatory requirements increasingly affect non-regulated third-party providers De facto NIS2 compliance required even before coming into force Be prepared becomes a competitive factor Between 14 and 28 April 2025, financial institutions in the EU must have registered their IT service providers with the Federal...

date 2025/04/11

press

Policy & Law

eco on the Publication of the Coalition Agreement: Ministry of Digitalisation Is a Strong Signal – Now It Needs Implementation Skills and Strategic Leadership

eco Association responds to the coalition agreement published today and positions itself on key issues for the Internet industry, such as the planned Ministry of Digitalisation, data protection supervision and data retention.

date 2025/04/09

press

Policy & Law

eco – Association of the Internet Industry on the EU Commission’s AI Continent Action Plan: Europe Must Now Courageously Implement the AI Innovation Turnaround

With the AI Continent Action Plan released today, the EU Commission is sending an ambitious signal: Europe aims to become the Number One AI hub – with targeted investments in computing power, data infrastructures, skilled workers and the promotion of applications.

date 2025/04/09

press

Policy & Law

eco – Association of the Internet Industry Warns Against Digital Tax: Risk for Transformation and Competitiveness

In the current debate about possible counter-tariffs and economic policy measures, eco – Association of the Internet Industry warns of the negative consequences of a digital tax. Such a measure would not only affect international tech companies, but could also have a significant impact on the German and European digital economy.

date 2025/04/08

press

Policy & Law

eco Industry Pulse: IT Decision-Makers See the Extent of Regulation as the Biggest Obstacle to Digital Transformation in Germany

As the German coalition negotiations draw to a close, eco – Association of the Internet Industry is appealing to the future government parties to now set the right course for a strong and future-proof digital location in Germany.

date 2025/04/02

press

Datacenter

Coalition Negotiations: Operators of Digital Infrastructures Demand a Clear Strategy and Budget for a Strong Digital Location Germany

The Alliance for the Strengthening of Digital Infrastructures in Germany welcomes the investments and calls for a significant portion of the planned special fund to flow into the digital infrastructure ecosystem and accelerate digital transformation.

date 2025/03/27

press