Publicpolicy February 2026

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European Policy Monitoring Report - February 2027
by Dimitar Zagorski 27 Feb '26

27 Feb '26

Hi all! February has been a busy month. Age verification is still a hot topic, with a veritable race between EU Member States to ban children from social media. Meanwhile Wikimedia submitted public feedback on the Digital Omnibus and the Open Digital Ecosystem Strategy. Finally, the DEM-Debate research project wrapped up with a final event in the European Parliament. === Digital Omnibus === Last month we introduced you to two digital omnibus proposals — a general one <https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/digital-omnibus-regulation…> and an AI one <https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/digital-omnibus-ai-regulat…>. The European Parliament is working fast. Amendment ideas are being discussed, with committee and plenary votes expected in March. The Council is also moving quickly, especially, on the AI omnibus. — Wikimedia Europe submitted its feedback <https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/1…> on the general omnibus. Our submission focuses on two sticking points: changes to the GDPR and to the rules on re-use of open government data. We remark that changes to the definition of personal data are fundamental and require proper assessment (which was skipped). On the other hand we welcome the so-called privacy signal system (i.e. instead of cookie banners you set your cookie preferences in the browser). On the public sector data side, we warn against the drawbacks of the proposed differentiated pricing, as it would be incompatible with standard free licences. This is also something we jointly argue together with Creative Commons and Communia <https://communia-association.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/One-pager-Digit…>. — For a human-readable version of the arguments you may also revisit our blog post <https://wikimedia.brussels/editorial-wmeu-on-the-digital-omnibus-the-russme…> . === Priorities of DG CNCT === The Commission’s digital directorate is prioritising a DSA delegated act on calculating supervisory fees for VLOPs over the one on calculating users. This is following the General Court's September 2025 ruling <https://www.lawsociety.ie/gazette/top-stories/2025/september/eu-court-annul…> in which it sided with Meta and TikTok in their challenge to these fees. This is of importance to the Wikimedia Foundation, as Wikipedia is designated as a VLOP. === Consultation on Open Digital Ecosystems === The European Commission's call for evidence on the Open Digital Ecosystem Strategy <https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/commission-opens-call-evidenc…> has closed. The Wikimedia Foundation submitted feedback <https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/1…>, highlighting how Wikimedia projects are built on open source technologies and constitute a critical part of the digital public infrastructure ecosystem. — The consultation attracted over 1,600 responses — an unusually high number for this kind of exercise that is not directly tied to legislation. Open Future has published a useful analysis <https://openfuture.eu/blog/european-open-digital-ecosystems-and-digital-com…> of the full set of responses. Recurring themes include calls for an EU-level Sovereign Tech Fund to provide sustained investment in open source infrastructure, support for treating open source as a commons rather than merely a licensing question, and a push to use public procurement as a strategic lever. === Data Retention === A case to watch <https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:C_202600937>: the Court of Justice of the EU has received a preliminary reference from a Polish court in Gdańsk asking whether a national law obliging electronic communications providers to retain traffic and location data for 12 months is compatible with EU law — specifically the ePrivacy Directive and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. — The outcome will be important for any future data retention legislation. The Commission is expected to make a proposal in that domain this year. The CJEU has pushed back against blanket data retention in the past. Any decision on this is important, as the Wikimedia Foundation tries to gather as little user data as possible. === Age Verification === After France, Spain, Italy, Denmark (just to name check a zealous few), Germany is ready to jump <https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/die-spd-stiehlt-der-cdu-die-soci…> on the “social media ban for kids” train. Two of the three ruling parties have recently announced such intentions. The Social Democrats (SPD) want a ban for everyone under 14, and beyond that additional rules for 14-16 year olds. The Christian Democrats (CDU), the main center right party, also came out in favour of a social media ban for children. They have at least given up on their idea for anti-anonymity measures. The smallest governing coalition partner, the Bavarian CSU (CDU’s counterpart in that state) meanwhile opposes the idea <https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/csu-geht-auf-distanz-zu-social-media-verbots…> and says that it is the wrong solution to the problem at hand. — On the EU level, a panel of experts advising Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on online age verification is getting started. It is expected to come up with a report before summer, according to digital Vice-President Virkkunen. It is also expected that the Commission will use this report as a stepping stone for further actions - legislative or not. A number of Member States and stakeholders are still hoping to see an EU-wide approach to social media restrictions for minors. — For Wikimedia projects it is important that the definition of social media doesn’t cover them, to avoid obstacles to free access to knowledge. === DEM-Debate Project: Final Event === On February 24, the DEM-Debate research project partners – Wikimedia Europe, the University of Amsterdam and Eurecat - Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya – gathered at the European Parliament in Brussels for the final event of the DEM-Debate <https://wikimedia.brussels/building-an-enabling-environment-for-democratic-…> initiative. Over the course of a year and half researchers looked into content moderation on Wikipedia during the 2024 European Parliament elections. You can discover the deliverables <https://wikimedia.brussels/building-an-enabling-environment-for-democratic-…>, watch the video <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DEM-Debate_Final_Event_at_the_Europ…> or read the blog post <https://wikimedia.brussels/the-dem-debate-project-came-to-an-end-the-final-…> . === Danish Copyright & Personal Characteristics === Denmark is working on a bill that extends copyright protections to personal characteristics, such as voices and faces. It includes a protection against the sharing of realistic digitally generated imitations of people’s personal characteristics. In parallel, there is a second protection for performers and artists against the sharing of realistic digitally generated imitations of their performances. — Wikimedia Denmark has participated in the public consultation <https://dk.wikimedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B8ring/H%C3%B8ring_over_forslag_til_lov_…>, pointing out that the exceptions and limitations foreseen in the draft proposal would be insufficient to protect all current users on Wikimedia projects. — Meanwhile, the European Commission is not amused <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zEgjozhFe9S3KFmyWgXrL8sNVAPne3DH/view?usp=…>. It sent a letter stating it does not like the Danish effort to protect personal traits by using copyright. It “invites the Danish authorities to consider using other instruments, other than copyright legislation, to reach the aimed protection of personal characteristics”. === Wikipedia's 25th Birthday === Yes, we are celebrating in Brussels and you are invited to join us! 18 March, from 18:00 at Ateliers des Tanneurs. Please register <https://wikimedia.brussels/wikipedia-25-party-invitation/>. ===END=== -- Wikimedia Europe ivzw

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Feb 26 deadline | Am I missing your session? RightsCon
by Franziska Putz 20 Feb '26

20 Feb '26

Dear all, I'm writing our annual blog post in which we announce all the sessions that Wikimedians are participating in at RightsCon. This is how we share our presence with our networks, so they know when to be where! Please review the list below and let me know if I'm missing any by Feb 26. 1. *Bridging Gender Gaps in AI: Advancing Equity Through Open Knowledge* ( @Bridgit Kurgat <bridgitk-ctr(a)wikimedia.org> and partners ) 2. *Stronger Together—or Stuck Together? Rethinking Civil Society Coalitions for a new digital era (*Costanza, Ziski, Paradigm Initiative, Global Partners Digital, Derechos Digitales) 3. *Building alliances for information integrity on climate change* (WM Uruguay @Evelin Heidel <eheidel(a)wikimedistas.uy> ) 4. *From Local Voices to Global Policy: Advocating Open Access to Africa’s Heritage* ( @Harriet Bayel <HarrietBayel(a)gmail.com> (Global Open Initiative), @Jemima Antwi <jmmantwi(a)gmail.com> , @Nkem Osuigwe <neosuigwe(a)aflia.net> (Igbo), Mohammed Awal Alhassan (Dagbani Wikimedians)) 5. *Advancing Regional Human Rights Mechanisms in Safeguarding Digital Rights: Cross-Regional Learning from ASEAN & African Union* (WMF, Oxfam Asia, Access Now) 6. *Fighting for an Internet in the Public Interest: From Vision to Action *(WMF and CELE) 7. *Whose Knowledge Counts? Fighting Access Gaps on Wikipedia in Africa * ( @Winnie kabintie <kabinte(a)gmail.com> ) 8. Official title missing *Disinformation trainings during elections *( @Jael Boateng <jboateng(a)ofwafrica.org> ) Thank you! Ziski

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The Internet Ecosystem book
by Peter Anderson 16 Feb '26

16 Feb '26

As a researcher, I came across a highly intensive and inclusive book called "The Internet Ecosystem". The book englobes the whole Internet history. I have just completed the reading, I will highly recommend it and it has useful information. The book was reviewed by Vint Cerf, the founder of the Internet. Use: *INTECO10 *coupon code to get the book at a discounted price. You will find more information in the email below. Professor Peter Anderson Head of Research ------------------------------ *From:* Nikesh B. Simmandree <nikeshbs(a)outlook.com> *Sent:* Monday, August 18, 2025 1:35 PM *To:* alac-announce(a)icann.org <alac-announce(a)icann.org>; alac(a)icann.org < alac(a)icann.org>; at-large(a)icann.org <at-large(a)icann.org>; afri-discuss(a)icann.org <afri-discuss(a)icann.org> *Subject:* Launch of The Internet Ecosystem Book Dear Community, I am thrilled to announce the launch of my book, *The Internet Ecosystem* — a comprehensive exploration of the history, architecture, governance, and future of the Internet. This book distills decades of technological evolution — from ARPANET and packet switching, to AI, Web3, quantum networks, and beyond — into a clear, engaging narrative accessible to both technical and non-technical readers *What the Book Covers* - *The Past:* How Cold War research, ARPANET, and packet switching gave birth to the Internet we know today. - *The Present:* The intricate roles of ISPs, backbone providers, cloud infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, and global governance shaping our daily online experiences. - *The Future:* Insights into 5G/6G, blockchain, immersive technologies, quantum security, and the Internet in 2050. With *49 detailed chapters*, the book provides a definitive yet approachable reference for students, professionals, policymakers, and curious readers alike. My mission with *The Internet Ecosystem* is to make the Internet’s complexity understandable — showing not only *how* the Internet works, but also *why* it matters and has become one of the most transformative human inventions — while sparking dialogue on how we build a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital future. In the 21st century, understanding the Internet is not optional — it’s essential. Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, educator, student, or everyday Internet user, this book provides the context and clarity you need to navigate the opportunities and challenges of our connected world. *Get Your Copy* *The Internet Ecosystem* is now available: https://payhip.com/b/hfvYg Thank you, Best Regards, Nikesh B. Simmandree

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Wikipedia & Disinformation Event: 24 February 2026 10-12 h - European Parliament
by Michele Failla 05 Feb '26

05 Feb '26

Dear all, I am reaching out to let you know that on 24 February from 10:00 to 12:00, we have organised the following event, which will take place at the European Parliament: *Information Integrity & Wikipedia: How community-governed platforms can inform future policy-making,* The aim of the event is to present the findings of the DEM-Debate project <https://wikimedia.brussels/building-an-enabling-environment-for-democratic-…> (carried out by the University of Amsterdam, Eurecat & Wikimedia Europe), which analysed how Wikipedia dealt with disinformation during the 2024 EP elections. If you would like to attend (online participation is possible), you can register here <https://wikimedia.brussels/information-integrity-wikipedia-how-community-go…>, where all relevant details may be found. Have a great day and all the best, Michele *Mr Michele FAILLA* Lead EU Law & Policy Advisor *Wikimedia Europe* Rue Belliard 12 1040 Brussels https://wikimedia.brussels *Knowledge is human.* *Imagine a world in which every single human being can freely share in the sum of all knowledge. That's our commitment.* Wikimedia Europe ivzw

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Publicpolicy February 2026