Pressemitteilung

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Press releases

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Pressemitteilung

Credit: fotolia.com - pure-life-pictures

  1. Ein Jugendlicher steht in einer U-Bahn-Station und blickt auf sein Handy, das er in der Hand hält.

    Credit: zinkevych - 123rf

    22.04.2026Digital Networks Act: Proposal Weakens Consumer Rights and Increases Cost of Living

    The European Commission has published a proposal for a Digital Networks Act. With this initiative, it aims to comprehensively harmonise European telecommunications law and adapt it to technological developments. The Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) calls for consumer protection to be given priority.

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  2. flughafen_fotolia_yakobchukolena_125524652_m.jpg

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    23.03.2026Airline may not charge extra fees for reasonable hand baggage

    Spanish carrier Vueling allows passengers in its “Fly Light” fare to take only one single item no larger than 40 × 30 × 20 centimeters. Larger or additional hand baggage costs extra. This practice violates EU law, the Higher Regional Court Hamm has now ruled following a lawsuit filed by the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv). Vueling has since lodged a formal objection against the default ruling.

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  3. internet-smartphone-laptop_fotolia_arthurhidden_65046718.jpg

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    06.03.2026Trusted flagger: Reports of illegal content are not being adequately processed by platforms

    As a trusted flagger, the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband) reported suspected illegal content on various online platforms last year. The first annual report shows that some platforms have provided no feedback, insufficient feedback or feedback that was too late.

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  4. menschen-kleidung-onlineshopping-detail.jpg

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    02.03.2026Consumer association finds violations in reporting illegal content

    Online platforms repeatedly make it difficult for users to report illegal content as legal violations. This is shown by an investigation by the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband). A total of ten online marketplaces and social media platforms were examined – each from the perspective of adult, unregistered and minors. The Digital Services Act (DSA) stipulates that online platforms must offer easily accessible and user-friendly reporting and complaint mechanisms.

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  5. medien-maedchen-computer-photocase_inkje.jpg

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    13.02.2026Digital Omnibus: European Commission puts consumer trust at risk

    In their digital daily lives, consumers often have to disclose personal data. Clear data protection rules can build trust. A survey commissioned by vzbv shows that sixty three per cent of respondents trust companies that are subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) significantly or somewhat more when it comes to handling their data. With the Digital Omnibus Regulation, the European Commission aims to simplify data protection rules, but in doing so primarily creates legal uncertainty – with negative consequences for consumers. vzbv calls for a clear legal framework while maintaining the existing level of consumer protection.

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  6. Mann klappt den Deckel eines Pakets auf und runzelt die Stirn

    Credit: iStock - Djordje Djeric

    11.12.2025Stop unsafe online imports

    Currently, the European legislator is negotiating a reform of the EU customs union. This is an opportunity to increase consumer protection against unsafe products.

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