Policy & Law

Ahead of the CSAM Trilogue: eco Warns Against Search Obligations and Double Regulation

Ahead of the upcoming trilogue negotiations on the European CSAM Regulation, eco is calling for a clear commitment to voluntary measures as well as greater regulatory coherence in the ongoing legislative process.

date 2026/04/15

press

Datacenter

Leadership Change at the Alliance for the Strengthening of Digital Infrastructures in Germany: Volker Ludwig Takes Over as Spokesperson

The Alliance for the Strengthening Digital Infrastructures, founded under the umbrella of eco – Association of the Internet Industry, announces a change in the role of spokesperson. Dr. Béla Waldhauser is handing over the role of spokesperson to Volker Ludwig, SVP and Managing Director Central Europe at Digital Realty.

date 2026/04/14

press

Policy & Law

Key Points of Hesse’s Regional Data Centre Strategy: eco Alliance Notes Progress and Areas Requiring Further Clarification

The Alliance for the Strengthening of Digital Infrastructures in Germany regards Hesse’s data centre strategy as a significant boost for the region’s digital sector. It highlights the strategic expansion and a multi-faceted approach as particular strengths. At the same time, the industry believes there is still a need for clarification regarding energy infrastructure, grid connectivity and the specific role of local authorities.

date 2026/03/27

press

Policy & Law

eco – Association of the Internet Industry Criticises Cybersecurity Act: State Intervention in Networks and Systems Threatens to Become the New Normal

eco warns of a paradigm shift towards active network manipulation and calls for clear constitutional safeguards.

date 2026/03/23

press

Policy & Law

eco – Association of the Internet Industry Urges: AI Omnibus Must Be the Starting Point for Genuine Relief for the Economy

The European Parliament paves the way for less bureaucracy in AI – eco now calls for consistent implementation, greater legal certainty and innovation-friendly regulation.

date 2026/03/23

press

Datacenter

Data Centre Strategy Remains Too Vague on Electricity Prices and Energy Efficiency

The Alliance for the Strengthening of Digital Infrastructures in Germany, operating under the umbrella of eco – Association of the Internet Industry, welcomes key elements of the German federal government’s National Data Centre Strategy, which is set to be adopted by the cabinet today. In particular, the target of doubling data centre capacity by 2030 and quadrupling AI capacity sends an important signal for competitiveness and digital sovereignty from the industry’s perspective.

date 2026/03/18

press

Policy & Law

eco Association on the Expiry of Voluntary Chat Control: Failed Extension Must Not Lead to a Mandatory Search Obligation Under the CSAM Regulation

With the expiry of the temporary exemption for voluntary chat control set to expire on 3 April 2026, the European Union faces a legal gap in the voluntary detection of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online. Following the failure of the EU Council and the European Parliament to agree on an extension of the exemption, pressure is mounting to find a swift and long-term solution for voluntary proactive measures by service providers within the framework of the trilogue negotiations on the CSAM Regulation.

date 2026/03/18

press

Policy & Law

eco Complaints Office publishes 2025 Annual Report: new record high for identified legal infringements on the Internet

The work of complaints offices is indispensable. This is demonstrated by the Annual Report published today by the eco Complaints Office: With 30,035 identified legal infringements, the number of actionable complaints in 2025 surpassed all previous records. At the same time, the success rate of 98.58 per cent confirms the proven self-regulatory approach of ‘take-down instead of blocking’. For 30 years, the eco Complaints Office has been actively combating illegal content on the Internet and working day in, day out to ensure effective protection of minors in the media.

date 2026/03/17

press

Policy & Law

Oliver Süme on the Conclusion of the Digital Omnibus Consultations

The Digital Omnibus offers an important opportunity to reduce the growing complexity of European digital regulation.

date 2026/03/11

press

Security

eco – Association of the Internet Industry: Cybersecurity Act Threatens to Normalise State Intervention in Network Infrastructures

The draft bill for an Act to Strengthen Cybersecurity intervenes deeply in the architecture and control logic of digital infrastructures and fundamentally shifts the understanding of cybersecurity. eco – Association of the Internet Industry strongly criticises this paradigm shift.

date 2026/03/02

press

© iStock.com/

Policy & Law

eco on the Debate Surrounding a Social Media Ban: Blanket Age Restrictions Are Not the Solution

The debate on a legal minimum age for social media continues to gain momentum. Initiatives from the German SPD and CDU/CSU parties envisage mandatory age verification and, in some cases, far-reaching restrictions. eco Association calls for a differentiated, European-coordinated solution and warns against blanket bans.

date 2026/02/23

press

Policy & Law

eco Association on the EU Summit: Strengthening Europe’s Digital Competitiveness

This EU summit must send a clear signal of unity and political will, especially to the business community. Europe’s competitiveness is under pressure. The productivity gap with other world regions has widened, and non-European players dominate the global market for investments in artificial intelligence.

date 2026/02/12

press

Artificial Intelligence

Greater Cyber Resilience Through AI: eco – Association Publishes 5-Step Plan for Companies

A new white paper from eco shows how companies can use AI safely and responsibly. A five-step plan supports decision-makers in implementing AI applications, addresses new threats such as deepfakes and AI-supported phishing, and classifies best practices and relevant standards such as ISO/IEC 42001.

date 2026/02/09

press

eco

Safer Internet Day 2026: Over 50,000 Young People Discuss How to Deal with AI Companions

Safer Internet Day has met with a great response throughout Germany: more than 1,000 schools, associations, libraries, companies and initiatives are getting involved with their own campaigns and events. eco is also participating in the campaign day.

date 2026/02/06

press

Policy & Law

eco Sharply Criticises Law on IP Address Storage: Endangers Fundamental Rights, Undermines Investment Security and Weakens Germany as a Digital Location

The draft law presented by the German federal government to introduce a three-month IP address storage is facing criticism from the Internet industry. eco warns of violations of European Court of Justice case law, a reduction in judicial control and considerable financial burdens for the sector.

date 2026/02/02

press