The European Digital Rights network has marked several significant moments in recent weeks, combining victories for privacy advocates with growing concerns over regulatory direction. The community gathered for #PrivacyCamp26 to examine technology's origins and move beyond "sovereignty" rhetoric toward community-centred self-determination, with panel discussions available to view online.
On October 21, Global Encryption Day brought end-to-end encryption into the spotlight as essential to secure communication and digital life. EDRi members and partners amplified the message across European cities through mobile "encryption trucks" visible in Prague's metro system and at prominent sites in Berlin, Paris and Dublin. The campaign partnered with the European Sex Workers Alliance and Féministes contre le cyberharcèlement to underscore how encryption protects vulnerable groups including sex workers and women facing online harassment.
A significant enforcement action bolstered the month's wins when Norway's data protection authority fined Microsoft's adtech division Xandr 92 million Norwegian crowns—approximately EUR 8.8 million—for illegally transferring Grindr users' sensitive information to thousands of advertisers without consent.
Setbacks on data and surveillance
Offsetting these gains, EU member states' final position on the Digital Omnibus on Data has drawn sharp criticism from digital rights groups. The agreement permits companies to process personal data for developing or deploying artificial intelligence systems whenever they claim a "legitimate interest," without requiring user knowledge or consent. EDRi characterises this as enabling unrestricted corporate data exploitation of potentially sensitive personal information.
The European Commission's announced overhaul of Frontex, the EU's border management agency, has also raised alarm. The redesigned framework would double Frontex's budget while expanding its involvement in deportations and surveillance operations. Under the new Regulation, Frontex would gain authority to monitor social media for signals indicating potential border movements. Critics argue this transforms Frontex into an EU equivalent of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, prioritising enforcement over solidarity while restricting freedom of movement and expression. The Protect Not Surveil coalition is preparing detailed analysis of the proposal.
