Consumer's Telegram July/August 2025

Insert of n. 54 - Editorial office: Centro Europeo Consumatori (European Consumer Centre Italy - Bolzano office)

DIGITAL SAFETY

EU bans "nudifier" apps: AI tools creating intimate images without consent prohibited
As part of the package recently approved by the European Parliament, a clear ban has been introduced on artificial intelligence systems used to generate sexually explicit content without a person's consent, including so-called "nudifier" apps.
These tools are capable of creating images, videos or audio depicting identifiable individuals with intimate body parts exposed or engaged in sexually explicit acts, even when the content is entirely artificial.
The new rules also prohibit AI systems designed to generate child sexual abuse material. Providers will not be allowed to place such systems on the European market unless they include effective technical safeguards preventing these unlawful uses. The ban also applies to anyone using these systems for such purposes.
The new measures send a strong signal in favour of protecting people's dignity, privacy and online safety.
Find out more: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/it/press-room/20260611IPR45207/ia-via-libera-alle-misure-di-semplificazione-e-al-divieto-delle-app-nudifier

DIGITAL MARKETS

Cloud services and competition: Italian Competition Authority opens investigation into Apple
The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has launched an investigation into Apple under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The investigation focuses on Apple's obligation to ensure that third-party consumer cloud service providers have free and effective interoperability with iOS and iPadOS, while offering conditions equivalent to those enjoyed by Apple's own iCloud service.
According to the AGCM, there are indications that competing providers may not have access to the same hardware and software functionalities available to iCloud. One example concerns the ability to perform full device backups, which alternative cloud services may not be able to offer under equivalent conditions.
For consumers, greater interoperability means greater freedom to choose between competing digital services and fewer technical barriers when switching providers.
Find out more: https://www.agcm.it/media/comunicati-stampa/2026/6/IDMA1

E-COMMERCE

Online withdrawals made easier with the new "withdrawal button"
Since 19 June 2026, exercising the right of withdrawal for online purchases has become easier in Italy.
A new provision (Article 54-bis of the Italian Consumer Code) now requires online interfaces to include a dedicated withdrawal function, commonly referred to as the "withdrawal button".
The principle is straightforward: if a contract can be concluded in just a few clicks, consumers should be able to withdraw from it just as easily.
Online traders must therefore provide a clearly accessible function enabling consumers to identify the relevant contract and confirm their decision to withdraw. Once the process has been completed, the trader must send confirmation without undue delay on a durable medium, such as by email.
Businesses should also be aware of the consequences of non-compliance. If a trader fails to provide the required information about the right of withdrawal, the standard 14-day withdrawal period may be extended by up to twelve months. In other words, a lack of transparency can prove costly.
Find out more: https://www.euroconsumatori.org/it/news_it/964

CASE OF THE MONTH

A consumer discovered several in-app purchases made by his son using credit card details that had been unintentionally saved on the child's mobile phone. Owing to a period of hospitalisation, he only became aware of the charges some time later.
After receiving no response from the game developer and having his chargeback request rejected by the card issuer, the consumer contacted the European Consumer Centre. Thanks to the assistance of the ECC-Net, he successfully obtained a refund and recovered approximately €2,700.