Digital security for the future: new regulations on cybersecurity and durability
The new provisions of the RED (Radio Equipment Directive) for connected systems and the Ecodesign Directive for phones ensure that devices are both digitally reliable and physically more durable.
In an era of constant connectivity and smart devices integrated into every aspect of our lives, the security of our data and the quality of the products we buy have never been more important.
Recent regulatory developments in Europe are specifically aimed at strengthening these protections, in a context where concerns about privacy breaches and frustration over early obsolescence are increasingly widespread.
On one hand, the updates to the RED Directive mark a significant step forward by the EU to ensure that wireless connectivity does not become an entry point for breaches of our increasingly hyperconnected private lives.
On the other hand, the new Ecodesign and Right to Repair regulations aim to guarantee greater physical durability of mobile phones.
Together, these regulatory developments represent a concrete opportunity to accelerate the creation of increasingly advanced solutions — all for the benefit of consumers.
RED: ensuring protection from unauthorized access.
Introduced in 2016, the European Radio Equipment Directive (RED) plays a key role in ensuring that radio communications between our smart devices — from connected thermostats to voice assistants — take place securely.
Its latest update focuses on the need to protect the private images and data that travel through radio waves. It’s a widespread concern: who can guarantee that the data exchanged between our security camera and our phone, or the information about our daily routines, cannot be intercepted?
The RED addresses this concern by requiring manufacturers to integrate strong cybersecurity measures right from the design stage. This means that only products meeting high transmission security standards can be placed on the market.
For consumers, the message is clear: choosing RED-compliant products is not optional — it’s the first line of defense against potential “prying eyes” trying to access our digital home environment. It’s an invitation to trust brands and products that take data protection seriously.
Ecodesign 2025: a new era of long-lasting mobile phones.
Alongside data security, the European Union has placed a strong focus on the durability and sustainability of our most personal and widely used devices — mobile phones.
The new Ecodesign 2025 Regulation is, in fact, a true anti-obsolescence revolution, applying to all types of portable phones — including smartphones, cordless phones, and tablets — marketed in European countries from June 20, 2025.
In short, the Ecodesign 2025 Regulation represents a major EU initiative that transforms smartphones from “disposable” goods into long-lasting, repairable, and safe devices, while also giving consumers full transparency about their performance and sustainability.
The goal is clear: to reduce waste and significantly extend the useful life of our phones — all while ensuring a reliable user experience.
The new rules set strict standards, including increased resistance to accidental drops, water, dust, and scratches; more efficient batteries capable of maintaining at least 80% of their original capacity after 800 charge/discharge cycles; and the Right to Repair, which requires manufacturers to make essential spare parts available for a minimum of seven years.