The Centre for Democracy & Technology (CDT) Europe has flagged urgent issues regarding digital rights and surveillance in their latest Tech Policy Brief for April 2025. The publication delves into concerning developments in surveillance, online expression, and artificial intelligence (AI) policy in Europe.
The Citizen Lab report has highlighted surveillance abuses involving Paragon spyware within EU member states, especially in Italy, Cyprus, and Denmark. Citizens targeted include journalists and humanitarian activists, raising alarms over press freedom and democracy in the EU. Italy has denied authorizing such practices despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
The report also noted the stalling of attempts to conduct a plenary debate within the European Parliament addressing these abuses, seen as a sign of inaction that may jeopardize civic freedoms. The CDT emphasized a need for rigorous oversight and legal frameworks to govern the use of these technologies and protect basic human rights.
Another aspect of the brief touched on the Digital Services Act (DSA). Last November, Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines published their first risk assessment reports under the DSA’s guidelines. These reports were evaluated by the DSA Civil Society Coordination Group, which found several areas lacking, particularly in transparency and engagement with affected communities.
David Klotsonis of CDT Europe commented, “As the first attempt at DSA Risk Assessments, we didn’t expect perfection — but we did expect substance. Instead, these reports fall short as transparency tools, offering little new data on mitigation effectiveness or meaningful engagement with experts and affected communities. This is a chance for platforms to prove they take user safety seriously.”
On AI, CDT's analysis showed concerns with the third Draft Code of Practice on General-Purpose AI, particularly its exclusion of fundamental rights risks from mandatory assessments. CDT Europe joined efforts with civil society organizations urging for policy revisions that include a more comprehensive risk taxonomy.
Moreover, during the Global AI Standards Hub Summit, Laura Lazaro Cabrera from CDT Europe advocated for involving civil society in the standardization process to reinforce AI regulations from a fundamental rights perspective.
CDT is currently expanding its team and seeks an Operations & Finance Officer and an EU Advocacy Intern to work in their Brussels office. Interested parties are encouraged to apply by April 23, 2025.
The Tech Policy Brief encourages readers to review various recommended readings for deeper insights into tech policy and its impact on democracy and human rights.