Author: Christoph Schmon

New EU Court of Justice Ruling on Platform Liability Could Cause Collateral Damage to Freedom of Expression

Christoph SchmonLeave a Comment on New EU Court of Justice Ruling on Platform Liability Could Cause Collateral Damage to Freedom of Expression

Intermediary liability laws around the world recognize that social media platforms, search engines, and other online service providers have become an integral part of our lives: they shape how we access information, communicate with others and participate in public debate, and foster innovation online. These laws generally shield platforms, to varying degrees, from legal liability for user content: the responsibility for unlawful speech should rest primarily with the speaker, not with those who merely host it.   These liability protections are not a […]

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Getting Digital Fairness Right: EFF's Recommendations for the EU's Digital Fairness Act

Christoph SchmonLeave a Comment on Getting Digital Fairness Right: EFF's Recommendations for the EU's Digital Fairness Act

Digital Fairness in the EU The next few years will be decisive for EU digital policymaking. With major laws like the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act, and the AI Act now in place, the EU is entering an enforcement era that will show whether these rules are rights-respecting or drift toward overreach and corporate control. With the […]

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EU’s New Digital Package Proposal Promises Red Tape Cuts but Guts GDPR Privacy Rights

Christoph SchmonLeave a Comment on EU’s New Digital Package Proposal Promises Red Tape Cuts but Guts GDPR Privacy Rights

The European Commission (EC) is considering a “Digital Omnibus” package that would substantially rewrite EU privacy law, particularly the landmark General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It’s not a done deal, and it shouldn’t be. The GDPR is the most comprehensive model for privacy legislation around the world. While it is far from perfect and suffers […]

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After Years of Controversy, the EU’s Chat Control Nears Its Final Hurdle: What to Know

Christoph SchmonLeave a Comment on After Years of Controversy, the EU’s Chat Control Nears Its Final Hurdle: What to Know

After a years-long battle, the European Commission’s “Chat Control” plan, which would mandate mass scanning and other encryption-breaking measures, at last codifies agreement on a position within the Council of the EU, representing EU States. The good news is that the most controversial part, the forced requirement to scan encrypted messages, is out. The bad […]

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Saving the Internet in Europe: Fostering Choice, Competition and the Right to Innovate

Christoph SchmonLeave a Comment on Saving the Internet in Europe: Fostering Choice, Competition and the Right to Innovate

This post is part four and the final part in a series of posts about EFF’s work in Europe. Read about how and why we work in Europe here.   EFF’s mission is to ensure that technology supports freedom, justice, and innovation for all people of the world. While our work has taken us to far […]

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A Fundamental-Rights Centered EU Digital Policy: EFF’s Recommendations 2024-2029

Christoph SchmonLeave a Comment on A Fundamental-Rights Centered EU Digital Policy: EFF’s Recommendations 2024-2029

The European Union (EU) is a hotbed for tech regulation that often has ramifications for users globally.  The focus of our work in Europe is to ensure that EU tech policy is made responsibly and lives up to its potential to protect users everywhere.  As the new mandate of the European institution begins – a […]

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EFF and Partners to EU Commissioner: Prioritize User Rights, Avoid Politicized Enforcement of DSA Rules

Christoph SchmonLeave a Comment on EFF and Partners to EU Commissioner: Prioritize User Rights, Avoid Politicized Enforcement of DSA Rules

EFF, Access Now, and Article 19 have written to EU Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton calling on him to clarify his understanding of “systemic risks” under the Digital Services Act, and to set a high standard for the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and of information. The letter was in response […]

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