Policy & Law

Leaked German Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (BMI) Draft Reveals Plans for Mass Surveillance – eco Warns Against Dismantling Constitutional Controls

With the leaked draft of the "Security Package 2.0", the German Federal Ministry of the Interior is planning far-reaching digital surveillance powers – some of which would not be subject to judicial review. eco – Association of the Internet Industry warns against dismantling constitutional safeguards and calls for a reorientation in line with fundamental rights.

date 2025/07/24

press

Policy & Law

eco Industry Pulse: East-West Divide in AI Use – Unclear Legal Situation and Security Concerns Are the Biggest Hurdles for Companies

Only 10% of respondents to the eco Industry Pulse – a recent survey of IT decision-makers* conducted by the market and opinion research institute Civey on behalf of eco – Association of the Internet Industry – believe that Germany is well prepared for upcoming AI developments. Germany also receives poor marks as a digital location: 72% of IT decision-makers in Germany rate the state of digital transformation as poor to very poor. One third even give it a grade of 6.

date 2025/07/21

press

Policy & Law

Holiday Photos: Only 5 Per Cent Blur Children’s Faces

The first federal states have already started their summer holidays and many families will be sharing their holiday experiences with friends and relatives via social media. But how conscious are parents and holidaymakers when it comes to sharing holiday photos?

date 2025/07/08

press

Datacenter

Competitive Electricity Prices for Data Centres: eco Alliance Welcomes Initiative by Reiche, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy in Germany

Lower electricity costs for data centres mean more growth potential for the German economy – it’s basically a simple calculation. It is good that Reiche, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy in Germany, has recognised the potential of data centres for the German economy and brought it back onto the political agenda in the context of electricity price subsidies.

date 2025/07/08

press

Datacenter

The Hessian Data Centre Strategy: A Blueprint for Germany

The Alliance for the Strengthening of Digital Infrastructures in Germany, an initiative founded within the eco Association by operators of digital infrastructure ecosystems, welcomes the data centre strategy announced today for the German federal state of Hesse and calls for a similar approach at the federal level to strengthen...

date 2025/07/04

press

Datacenter

Appeal to the German Federal Government: Include Data Centres in Electricity Tax Reduction

After the leaders of the CDU/CSU and SPD postponed the reduction in electricity tax originally agreed in the coalition agreement, the Alliance for the Strengthening of Digital Infrastructures in Germany, founded under the umbrella of the eco Association, appealed to the German Federal Government: The CDU/CSU and SPD should...

date 2025/07/04

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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