Digital Networks Act

Epicenter Works has released a newsletter analysing how the EU Kids Act would affect the Fediverse, including services like Mastodon. The analysis argues the law's impact on small decentralised platforms could be harsher than under the Digital Services Act, prompting concern that independent, non-commercial social networks may struggle to comply. The commentary is circulating among European digital-rights and open-source communities.

Digital rights and industry groups say the EU's Digital Networks Act may contain backdoor provisions allowing large telecom operators to charge tech companies mandatory 'network fees'. Critics argue the payments, reportedly pushed for in closed-door negotiations, would raise costs for online services and consumers. Big telecoms have long lobbied for such a levy, framing it as fair contribution to network investment.