Public Digital

The Dutch government is developing an alternative to Microsoft-based infrastructure built on NixOS, the reproducible Linux operating system. The project, presented via the DAWO community platform, reflects a growing push among European public administrations to reduce dependence on US software vendors and gain control over their digital systems. Observers see it as part of wider European efforts toward digital sovereignty, though details about scale, timeline, and which government bodies will adopt the system remain unclear.

Demonstrators gathered in Warsaw on 26 September 2026 to protest the European Parliament's so-called Chat Control 1.0 legislation, which critics say would force messaging platforms to scan private communications. The protest reflects wider European opposition to the proposal, with civil liberties groups arguing it threatens privacy and encryption.

A new survey reported in the Netherlands finds that 8 in 10 people aged 16 to 34 say smartphone use harms their everyday life. The figure highlights growing concern among young adults about the impact of their own phone habits on wellbeing, focus and daily routines, adding to wider public debate about screen time and digital balance.

The UK government is considering a levy on broadband subscriptions as a way to fund the BBC, potentially replacing or supplementing the traditional television licence fee. The proposal would mean every household with an internet connection contributes to the broadcaster's financing, reflecting a shift toward digital viewing habits. The idea is likely to spark debate over whether non-BBC viewers should be required to pay for it.

California has enacted a ban barring public officials from creating or promoting memecoins, the joke-driven cryptocurrencies often used to cash in on political fame. Engadget reports the move as part of growing US scrutiny of officials profiting from crypto ventures. It follows national debate over politicians launching or endorsing digital tokens, including the TRUMP memecoin controversy, and reflects tightening state-level ethics rules.

Orange Business has been selected to provide the European Union's backbone network for trusted data exchange. The deal makes the French telecom operator responsible for the infrastructure underpinning secure data flows between EU institutions and member states. It marks a significant win for Orange in European public-sector digital infrastructure and aligns with EU efforts to build sovereign, trusted data-sharing capabilities.

The Vatican has announced the theme for the next World Day of Social Communications, focusing on the pitfalls of the 'attention economy' — the business model in which tech platforms compete to capture and monetise human attention. The choice signals Pope Francis's ongoing concern with how digital media shapes public discourse, empathy and truth, continuing his criticism of manipulative online practices.

A commentary argues that people may need to step back from digital technology, making the case for a 'techlash' — a backlash against the dominance of digital tools in everyday life. The piece questions whether it is possible to survive the digital age without reverting to analogue habits, reflecting a growing debate about screen dependence, privacy and the effects of constant connectivity on wellbeing.

Google has announced it is serving as a technology partner for the launch of America.gov, a relaunched official US government website. The company says it will provide the technical infrastructure supporting the site's public-facing services. The announcement was made on Google's own blog, framing the project as an example of its collaboration with the US government on digital public services.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced a new packaging design for the U.S. passport along with a digital application process. The redesign is described as elegant, marking an update to how Americans receive and apply for their passports. Reactions are circulating online, with commenters weighing in on the look of the new packaging and the move toward digital applications.

The Better Business Bureau is urging consumers and businesses to strengthen their online safety habits ahead of Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October. The bureau's guidance focuses on protecting personal information, recognizing scams, and securing accounts and devices as digital threats continue to grow. Its regional offices are sharing the tips with local news outlets to help the public prepare.

A writer from Green Bay, Wisconsin, who previously worked at Facebook, has released a new book examining the relationship between technology and democracy. Local outlet WBAY reported the publication, highlighting the author's hometown roots and insider experience at one of the world's largest social media companies. The book adds to a growing genre of firsthand accounts from former tech employees weighing in on how digital platforms affect democratic life.

A building heat wave is expected to bring triple-digit temperatures to parts of Southern California in the coming days, forecasters warn. Residents are being advised to prepare for dangerously hot conditions as the warming trend strengthens across the region.

A French-language essay argues that RSS feeds are essential to digital sovereignty, positioning the open web standard as a way to follow publications without depending on large platforms. The piece, shared with hashtags critical of Big Tech, frames RSS as a simple tool for reclaiming control over how people read the web, resonating with audiences concerned about digital independence.

The Free Software Foundation has published its response to California Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order on artificial intelligence, which it refers to as 'so-called' AI. The group questions the feasibility and accountability of any mandated kill switch for AI systems, asking who would really control such a mechanism if it were developed. The FSF warns that safety controls could concentrate power in the hands of a few rather than serving the public.

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Audacy's News Talk 830 WCCO have announced a multi-year, multi-platform partnership that will carry the NBA team's programming on the Minneapolis-St. Paul news talk station. The agreement keeps Timberwolves game broadcasts and related team content on WCCO's airwaves and digital platforms for the length of the deal, extending the club's reach with Twin Cities radio audiences.

Technology consultancy Public Digital has issued a warning that institutions are losing control as artificial intelligence reshapes how organisations operate. The firm, co-founded by former UK government digital leaders, argues that traditional institutions risk falling behind unless they fundamentally adapt their structures and decision-making to the pace of AI-driven change. The message was circulated via a press release picked up by business and technology outlets.

Anthony Scaramucci, founder of Solari Capital, says the firm is betting on Bitcoin and exponential technologies as core investment themes. He frames Bitcoin alongside rapid-growth technology sectors as a key opportunity, adding a further high-profile Wall Street voice to institutional advocacy for digital assets.

Italy's Carabinieri are positioning themselves at the forefront of the country's digital defence. At a meeting held at the Salvo D'Acquisto barracks, the force discussed artificial intelligence and cyber threats, underlining that, while remaining faithful to tradition, it is pursuing a leading role in prevention and protection strategies against online attacks.

Author John Green is speaking out about the attention economy, arguing that no one — including writers and heavy internet users — is fully immune to its pull. He warns that platforms designed to capture attention shape how people read, think and spend their time, and he is urging readers to be more deliberate about their media habits.

Central Asian countries are holding discussions on establishing shared rules for the digital economy and artificial intelligence across the region. The talks, reported by Kazakhstan-based outlet the Astana Times, point to growing interest in coordinating technology policy among neighbouring states rather than regulating digital markets and AI individually. Details on specific proposals, participating governments, or timelines have not yet been made public.

Radio Digital Malayali, an online LoFi radio station, is currently streaming a LoFi remix of 'Cherathukal' by Johan George, with 59 listeners tuning in. The station regularly broadcasts Indian LoFi music, and the track is one of its featured plays at the moment.

The European Union has chosen Orange Business to develop a sovereign communications backbone, an infrastructure project intended to keep official EU communications under European control. The move fits into a broader push in Brussels for digital sovereignty, reducing reliance on non-European cloud and telecom providers. Details on the contract's value and timeline have not yet been made public.

Hunter Biden has spoken publicly about Bitcoin, referencing claims of 'Operation Chokepoint 2.0' — an alleged coordinated effort to debank crypto firms — and a token going by the ticker $LAPTOP. His remarks drew attention within the crypto community, where comments from political figures and the Biden family name tend to move markets and reignite debate over the US government's treatment of the digital asset industry.

Finnish smart ring maker Oura is reportedly moving toward an initial public offering, a step that could reshape the digital health sector. Industry observers say a listing would test investor appetite for consumer wearables that position themselves as health tools, and could pressure rivals in the wearables and preventive health market. The move is being watched as a signal for where consumer health technology is headed next.