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Editorial Calendar 2026

Domains, Email & User Trust - Call for Contributions

What the topDNS Dataset Reveals About DNS Abuse

What can the topDNS dataset reveal about modern DNS abuse? Igor Lückel from AV-TEST Institute and Lars Steffen from eco Association analyze malware spikes, phishing trends, AI, and infrastructure concentration across the Internet ecosystem.

Domains

Requiring Registrants to Show ID Is a Bad Idea

Sarah Wyld, Head of Policy & Privacy at Tucows, argues that mandatory ID checks for domain registrants would do little to reduce DNS abuse while creating new risks for privacy, accessibility, and participation online.

Domains

Real-Time Threat Intelligence in an AI-Driven Threat Landscape

Carel Bitter, CEO of Spamhaus Technology, on protecting billions of IP addresses and millions of domains from AI-driven cyber threats – and what the next five years may bring.

Domains

The Death of Digital Trust and the Infrastructure Still Holding It Together

As AI-fueled deception scales, trust shifts to domains, DNS, and email authentication, writes Lisa Cook, Senior Account Manager, Lexsynergy.

Domains

Why the Backend of a TLD Matters for Digital Trust

Ronald Schwärzler from domainworx Service & Management GmbH explains why the TLD backend is key to security, compliance, and trust as the 2026 new gTLD round creates new digital opportunities.

Domains

Moving Beyond Associated Domain Checks: The Urgent Need to Ban Short-Term Domain Leasing

A hidden abuse vector is undermining DNS security. Carlos Alvarez, ZeroFox, and David Hughes, Coalition for Online Accountability, outline a policy fix.

Domains

How Domains Anchor Trust in the AI-Driven Web

AI is ignoring brands it can’t verify – and your domain is the reason why. InterNetX’s Simone Catania on how domains became the web’s most critical trust anchors.

Email: Trust & Challenges

Email, Trust, and Control: Why Sovereignty Is Becoming a Structural Requirement

Diana Krieger, CEO of Soverin, and Els de Jong, Marketing & Communication Coordinator at BIT, explain why digital sovereignty and infrastructure control are becoming essential for European organizations.

Cloud Computing

Zero Trust for the Cloud-Edge Era

Zero Trust and federation are reshaping Europe’s cloud-edge security, enabling verifiable, sovereign collaboration across ecosystems, as outlined by Prof. Norbert Pohlmann from the eco Association and Daniel Theis from the Institute for Internet Security.

Interconnection

DE-CIX Connected Site: A New, Low Barrier Opportunity for European Data Center Operators

Mareike Jacobshagen from DE-CIX introduces the Connected Site model – a low-barrier, hardware-free way for data centers to access premium interconnection and scale for AI and cloud demand.

Data Center

Internal Control Systems for Data Centers: Governance as Resilience Infrastructure

Thomas Pfützenreuter of Securance-iAP explains why internal control systems are becoming critical infrastructure for data centers – ensuring resilience, compliance, and competitiveness.

Data Center

ITAM Digital Twin – Keeping Distributed IT Transparent and Manageable

Joerg Hesselink, Founder and CEO of DC Smarter, shows how an ITAM Digital Twin reduces staff errors, eliminates data silos, and streamlines audits across complex environments.

Data Sovereignty

From Data Silos to Sovereign Data Ecosystems: The Architecture of Federated Data Spaces

eco’s Michael Hase, EuroCloud Deutschland, on how trusted data spaces enable secure sharing without lock-in; using clearing houses and open standards.

Data Center

Driving Data Center Energy Efficiency With AI-Based Digital Twins

James Kirkwood of EkkoSense outlines how AI-driven digital twins enable Telefónica to reduce data center energy use by up to 20%, while enhancing efficiency, resilience, and overall infrastructure performance.

Digital Infrastructure

Network Resilience as a Key Pillar of Modern Infrastructures

Matthias Hahn, Account Management/Network Infrastructure at Nokia, explores network resilience in data centers as AI workloads scale and security risks grow.

Data Center

Data Centers Drive Frankfurt’s Economic Growth — But Operators Face Growing Obstacles

Frankfurt’s data center industry is booming and driving regional growth. eco Spokesperson Dr. Béla Waldhauser explains why operators nevertheless face mounting obstacles.

Digital Infrastructure

Infrastructure Intelligence for the Next Generation of Data Centers

In an interview with dotmagazine, James Stuart, Head of EMEA & APAC at Nlyte Software, explains how infrastructure intelligence is transforming data centers by enhancing visibility, resilience, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

Interconnection

How Intelligent Automation Will Define the Interconnection of the Future

Automation is transforming interconnection. Dr. Thomas King, CTO at DE-CIX, explains how APIs, self-service platforms, and open standards like IX-API will shape the next generation of global connectivity.

Digital Resilience

Europe's Digital House of Cards: The Race to Build Resilience

Ferdinand Ferroli, Director Policy & Research, and Silke Weich, Senior Project Manager at Identity Valley Research, examine how Europe’s most urgent structural challenge is unfolding in code and data.

Data Center

Vshell and the Cyber Risk to Data Center Perimeter Security

Michel Coene from NVISO Security showcases research into VShell and how attackers exploit public-facing systems to gain persistent access to data center infrastructure.

Data Center

Why Data Centers and IaaS Are Central To Europe’s Digital Resilience

Resilience beyond redundancy – Sebastian Ullrich, PROTOS Technologie GmbH, explains why data centers underpin Europe’s digital stability.

Data Center

Polarity Management in Co-Packaged Optics: Why It Matters and How to Get It Right

Hidden risks in next-generation data centers: Descartes Boris Waffo Kamdem of Corning on why small polarity errors lead to big costs.

Digital Transformation

Engineering Digital Trust on Android

Abhishek Pimple from Google explains how Android engineers digital trust using zero-trust architecture – covering Play Integrity, FIDO2 passkeys, hardware-backed keys, and verifiable credentials.

Digital Policy

9 Tech Sector Trends for 2026: Regulation, Resilience, and Recalibration

Oliver Süme (Fieldfisher and Chair of the Board, eco) and John Cassels (Fieldfisher) explore 9 key tech sector trends for 2026 – from tougher digital regulation and AI litigation to cybersecurity, ESG accountability, and geopolitical market shifts.

Digital Transformation

Making Trustworthiness Operational: The Next Phase of Digital Transformation

Prof. Norbert Pohlmann from the eco Association and Ulla Coester from the Institute for Internet Security outline how trustworthiness in AI must move beyond compliance to become operational practice – and a decisive competitive advantage.

Digital Policy

How Regulation is Redefining the Internet Industry

Henning Lesch from DE-CIX examines how growing regulatory pressure – from NIS2 to DORA – is redefining the Internet industry, turning compliance, resilience, and security into strategic advantages.

Artificial Intelligence

Silicon-Level Sovereignty: Root of Trust in AI Accelerators

True digital trust in AI begins at the hardware level. In this piece, Abhijeet Rajwade from Google, explains how embedding a hardware root of trust in AI accelerators enables verifiable model integrity and secure data execution by anchoring trust directly in silicon rather than software.

Artificial Intelligence

Leading for Digital Trust in the Age of AI

Drawing on discussions from the eco Future Skills Meet-up on AI & Leadership, this article distills key insights on how organizations can translate digital trust from abstract principle into operational practice – and why leadership, not technology alone, determines whether AI creates real value.

Domains

To Apply or Not to Apply for a dotBrand in 2026

dotBrand 2026: apply or pass? Jeanette Eriksson, Online Brand Protection at FairWinds, breaks down benefits, pitfalls, and boardroom realities.

Digital Policy

Building European Digital Sovereignty

Europe’s digital sovereignty is about the ability to act, not isolation. Philipp Ehmann from eco explains how flexible, innovation-friendly frameworks help companies stay competitive and strengthen Europe’s digital ecosystem.

Digital Policy

Strengthening Digital Trust in Europe

Digital trust in Europe depends on effective hotlines, well-resourced oversight, and rights-respecting rules. Alexandra Koch-Skiba, Head of eco’s Complaints Office, explains how these pillars protect users and ensure safe online spaces.

Cybersecurity

Risk Management as an IT Tool to Reduce Cyber Risks

Tim Cappelmann, CEO of AirITSystems GmbH, outlines why IT risk management is central to reducing cyber risks, managing digital dependencies, and strengthening governance and decision-making.

Artificial Intelligence

Why Transparent Leadership Matters in an AI World

Silke Kanes, eco Board Member, on future-ready leadership: why trust, diversity, and clarity matter more than AI tools.

Digital Policy

Digital Trust Is Built on Infrastructure, Governance, and Clear Policy

Alexander Rabe from eco on building digital trust: Europe’s digital economy needs robust infrastructure, effective governance, and clear policies working together to enable innovation people can trust.

Connectivity

The Future of Connectivity: A Joint Vision from eco and EuroISPA

How will Europe lead digitally? eco’s Lars Steffen, Vice-President of EuroISPA, shares the path: advanced connectivity, quantum security, and sustainable infrastructure for tomorrow.

Data Sovereignty

How FACIS Is Codifying European Sovereignty for the AI Era

Andreas Weiss, Managing Director of the eco Association, shows how the FACIS project translates European values into practical tools that enable digital sovereignty across federated cloud-edge ecosystems.

Artificial Intelligence

AI, Data Centers, and Europe’s Hard Energy Choices

AI growth meets energy reality. Roland Broch and Cáit Kinsella of the eco Association unpack what Europe’s data centers are up against.

Feature Interconnection

Navigating the Pathway to AI-ready Network Infrastructure: Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Ivo Ivanov from DE-CIX exposes the biggest traps on the road to AI readiness – from legacy data centers to public Internet bottlenecks – and shows how smart, low-latency interconnection powers real AI performance.

Feature Artificial Intelligence

AI Between Autonomy and Oversight: Why Humans Must Remain in Control

Can AI be both powerful and safe? Olaf Pursche, Leader of the Security Competence Group at the eco Association, argues for human-in-the-loop and ethical responsibility in every system.

Quantum Computing

Quantum Cryptography: The Future of Secure Communication

Companies and governments must now prepare for the quantum leap in IT security to safeguard their systems for the future, explains Shipra Kren from eco Association.

Artificial Intelligence

AI Databank: A Unified, AI-Driven Approach to Enterprise Data Intelligence

Serve Bunnik of CITIC Telecom CPC shows how AI Databank transforms enterprise data into instant insights, automates workflows, and powers smarter, faster business decisions.

Artificial Intelligence

Innovate First, Monetize Later: Unleashing the Full Potential of AI

The broad adoption of artificial intelligence will hinge on the foundations established here and now – including future-flexible infrastructure, sustainable energy, and robust regulatory frameworks. Hamza Alamoosh, Director, Network Architecture, Carrier, EMEA, at Corning Optical Communications, discusses how today’s decisions will determine who leads in an AI-driven future.

Artificial Intelligence

Beyond Registration Numbers: Insights from the 2025 Domain Survey

The domain industry faces growth, AI, and regulatory change in 2025. Insights from Simone Catania at InterNetX reveal trends shaping Europe and beyond.

Mobility

AI Driving the Future of Mobility

AI is transforming mobility – from software-defined vehicles to predictive maintenance. Juan I. Hahn from eco explains how Europe can lead the SDV revolution through AI, data, and cybersecurity.

Artificial Intelligence

Keeping Germany in the AI Race

Germany risks falling behind in the AI race. Oliver Süme from eco calls for clear rules, strong infrastructure, and innovation-friendly policies to make “AI made in Europe” a success.

Artificial Intelligence

Autonomy in the Age of Algorithms – Are We Still in Control?

AI shapes our choices – but are we still in control? Melanie Ludolph from Fieldfisher explores why digital autonomy is the next frontier of human rights in the age of algorithms.

Artificial Intelligence

AI and Automation Transforming Software Development

eco's Andreas Weiss and Lauresha Toska on how vibe coding, federated architectures, and low-code platforms are redefining agility and compliance in today’s decentralized digital ecosystems.

Artificial Intelligence

Next-Gen Software: Build Fast with Vibe Coding

Silke Kanes, Member of the Board of the eco Association, explains how vibe coding is changing software development. She explains the new phenomenon – AI-powered development that breaks barriers, accelerates prototyping, and empowers tech and business teams to build smarter, faster, and more creatively than ever before. But: This breakthrough is no cure-all for every challenge.

Artificial Intelligence

Agentic AI Is the Next Frontier in Intelligent Automation

Stephan Schnieber, IBM, on why agentic AI is the key to moving beyond basic automation and driving true digital transformation.

Artificial Intelligence

Audi Is Turning Data into A Strategic Pillar

Rüdiger Eck reveals how Audi’s Data & Analytics Factory turns data into a strategic pillar and accelerates AI-driven productivity across Production & Logistics.

Artificial Intelligence

The SME Compliance Paradox: Why German Small Businesses Excel at GDPR but Struggle with AI Rules

German SMEs excel at GDPR but struggle to meet new AI compliance demands. Thomas Amberg of Ynvolve explores how this gap could reshape their digital competitiveness.

Email Security in the Context of Germany’s Digital Sovereignty

Caroline Krohn, Head of Digital Consumer Protection at Germany’s BSI, explains how collaboration – not regulation – is strengthening email security and protecting billions lost to cybercrime each year.

Digital Resilience

Quantum Readiness for Digital Resilience

Internet pioneer Harald A. Summa explores how quantum readiness, using Post-Quantum Cryptography and Quantum Key Distribution, is essential for securing digital trust as quantum computing reshapes the digital landscape.

The Hidden Crisis: Why 98% of Domains Are Flying Blind on Email Security

98% of domains lack proper email security, costing businesses billions each year. Daniel Strauß of InterNexum reveals why most are at risk – and how to fix it.

Digital Ecosystem

FAME: Connecting The Dots in European Embedded Finance

Lauresha Toska, Ladan Raeisian & Nelia Zinatullina from eco Association explain how the EU-funded FAME project is building Europe’s trusted digital infrastructure for embedded finance – a secure, regulation-ready marketplace for financial data that ensures trust, compliance, and sovereignty.

Email Deliverability Through Trust, Security and Compliance

In this article, Julia Janssen-Holldiek & Sebastian Kluth from the eco Association reveal why email deliverability has become a core pillar of digital security and compliance. When important messages end up in spam, it is not just a technical issue; it is a question of trust.

DDoS

DDoS: From “Background Noise” to Strategic Threat

Lisa Fröhlich of Link11 warns that AI-powered DDoS attacks now threaten business continuity, reputation, and market position like never before.

DDoS

DIA DDoS PROTECT: Closing The Cybersecurity Gap for SMEs

DDoS attacks are rising – and most SMEs lack protection. Serve Bunnik of CITIC Telecom CPC explains how DIA DDoS PROTECT delivers enterprise-grade defense without costly hardware.

Security

Security and Trust in the Digital Ecosystems of Smartphone Apps

German smartphone apps track users three times more than global ones — and most data still flows through U.S. providers. Prof. Norbert Pohlmann & Ferhan Kesici reveal digital sovereignty risks.

Interconnection

Pan-Atlantic Digital Future

Ivo Ivanov from DE-CIX explains how Atlantic Convergence 2025 in Lisbon (Oct 28-30) will address urgent security, trust, and compliance challenges facing the pan-Atlantic digital ecosystem.

Security

Sovereign Cloud: Why Local Beats Global

With 25+ nationalities driving 45% more innovation revenue, Thomas Amberg reveals how Ynvolve’s diverse team creates better decisions and captures new markets globally.

Security

Beyond Data Silos: How TANGO Delivered Europe’s Federated Privacy Infrastructure

In this dotmagazine article, Lauresha Memeti Toska, Senior Technical Project Lead, and Ladan Raeisian, Junior Project Manager eco International, explain how the EU-funded TANGO project is building federated data spaces with privacy-first identity, energy-efficient AI, and governance for Europe’s digital sovereignty.

Cybersecurity

A Protective Shield for IT Infrastructure: Your Own Top-Level Domain

Kathrin Ohlmer, Founder & Managing Director of DOTZON GmbH, explores how owning a top-level domain can enhance businesses’ IT security and autonomy.

Artificial Intelligence

Confidential AI: A New Safe Space for AI Models

In a world where AI's hunger for data clashes with the need for absolute security, a revolutionary approach is changing the rules. In this article, Michael Hase, Manager EuroCloud Deutschland and Luzia Langhans, Content and Project Manager, explore how Confidential AI is eliminating the trade-off between cloud innovation and data protection, making it possible to unlock AI's full potential without compromising sensitive information.

Blockchain

How Web3 Improves Transparency, Security, Trust & Compliance

Gherardo Varani, Head of Business Development at Freename, on why consumers increasingly distrust the traditional web. Web3 offers solutions for security, trust, and compliance, using decentralization to protect data across extensive networks, ensuring transparency and user control.

Cloud Computing

How Zero Trust and Confidential Computing Ensure Secure Data Flow in the Cloud-Edge Continuum

Digital ecosystems must be scalable, flexible, and secure. Emma Wehrwein, eco Association, and Oliver Schonschek explain how a Multi-Provider Cloud-Edge Continuum enhances scalability and flexibility by dynamically distributing resources and applications. FACIS provides open standards and SLA Governance for secure data flow, while Zero Trust and Confidential Computing are essential for continuous and comprehensive security.

Cybersecurity

Why Zero-Day Malware Isn't Our Biggest Threat – System Breaches Are

In a world where system complexity breeds vulnerability, understanding and automating security processes is essential. Tim Cappelmann, Managing Director of AirITSystems, explains why the biggest threat is not zero-day malware and how integrating risk management can transform your approach to cybersecurity.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence Instead of Another Meeting

Andy Wilson from Dropbox explores how AI is streamlining collaboration and enabling New Work by reducing inefficiencies and freeing teams to focus on what truly matters.

Digital Resilience

Digital Resilience as a Location Factor – Europe Needs Real Freedom of Choice in the Cloud

Digital resilience is key to Europe’s future. True cloud sovereignty – built on diverse, open infrastructure – ensures freedom of choice, innovation, inclusion, and diversity, as reported by Shipra Kren of eco.

Diversity

Building Bridges, Taking the Stage: Empowering Women Through Communication

Kerstin Stromberg-Mallmann of Talking Bridges on empowering women through confident communication, powerful stage presence, and strong inner mentors.

Diversity

Diversity As A Superpower: How Our International Team Makes Ynvolve Thrive

With over 25 nationalities, Ynvolve thrives on diverse minds and global insights. Thomas Amberg reveals how this multicultural mix fuels innovation and growth.

New Work

New Work: A Balancing Act between Innovation and Social Division

Catrin Schröder-Jaross explores how New Work can foster innovation – while also risking deeper social divides if equity isn’t prioritized.

Diversity

Why Women in Tech and in Data Centers Matter More Than Ever

More women are entering data center roles overcoming barriers and building careers. Dorén Fischer of Equinix explores how visibility, mentorship, and inclusive culture can foster growth and success in tech infrastructure careers.

Feature Domains

DNSSEC: Bridging the Trust Gap in the DNS Infrastructure

Trust starts with DNS. Patrick Ben Koetter of eco and sys4 AG breaks down why DNSSEC is essential for secure Internet infrastructure – and what's holding adoption back.

Domains

Reputation: It Isn’t Black or White

Sven Krohlas of Spamhaus explains how blocklists now use reputation scores and context for smarter filtering – making list choice a strategic, not just technical, decision.

DNS

Harnessing AI to Combat DNS Abuse: Towards a Safer Digital World

AI is transforming DNS Abuse response – faster, smarter, and more proactive. Su Wu, COO at iQ, explores how tech and human oversight combine for a safer digital world.

How to Prevent Email Abuse on Non-Sending Domains

Thomas Küchenthal, CTO of LEMARIT GmbH, on how you can protect your reputation, your customers, and your credibility with the right DNS entries.

Feature Email: Trust & Challenges

When E-Invoices End Up in Spam – Email Deliverability as a Challenge

E-invoicing becomes mandatory in Germany from 2025. But what if invoices land in spam? Qadir Rostamzada from eco explains why email deliverability is critical – and how CSA helps to ensure it.

Email: Trust & Challenges

The State of Email Authentication Technologies

Email security is crucial in 2025, yet most domains lack protection. Florian Vierke of Mapp Digital explains why SPF, DKIM, and DMARC matter – and what needs to change to close the gap.

Feature Domains

EuroISPA Sets the Course for a Stronger Digital Europe

EuroISPA’s 2025 General Meeting brought together a wide range of EU policymakers and digital leaders. Lars Steffen of eco highlights key actions toward a more sovereign, secure, and competitive digital Europe.

Email Best Practices

Best Practices in Email Marketing from an Anti-Spam Filter Perspective

Hornetsecurity’s Stéphane Decamps explains how marketers can stand out, build trust, and avoid being confused with spam.

Feature Interconnection

Shaping the Future of Transatlantic Digital Infrastructure

Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX, spearheads the initiative at Atlantic Convergence 2025 – uniting global leaders in Lisbon to shape resilient, secure, and sustainable transatlantic digital infrastructure.

Feature Digital Infrastructure

Infrastructure, Interconnection, Innovation: What 30 Years Have Taught Us

Klaus Landefeld, Board Member for Infrastructure & Networks, eco Association, unpacks key lessons for today's digital leaders after 30 years of helping to shape Germany’s digital infrastructure, emphasizing innovation, strategic collaboration, and the push for sustainability.

Feature Email

Email Is Our Most Important Means of Communication

Explore the crucial role of email in our digital communication landscape and discover how enhancing email security can safeguard both personal and professional interactions. With increasing threats from sophisticated phishing attacks, Prof. Dr. Norbert Pohlmann of the eco Association explains why a secure email infrastructure is essential for protecting your vital communications.

Domains

Domain & Emails: Strengthening Your Digital Presence

Gherardo Varani, Head of Business Development at Freename, discusses the essential role of domain and email security in fostering business growth. With the increasing frequency of cyberattacks, businesses must adopt innovative strategies that integrate traditional methods with decentralized technologies for comprehensive protection.

Feature Email: Trust & Challenges

In Trust We Send – Securing Digital Communication Through Authentication

Protect your brand and enhance trust with email authentication. Sandra Schubert, Customer Success Manager, Certified Senders Alliance, on how SPF, DKIM, and DMARC can secure your communications against cyber threats.

Domains

Your own top-level domain: a decisive factor for the security of your IT infrastructure

Katrin Ohlmer, Founder & Managing Director of DOTZON GmbH, explores how owning your own top-level domain can boost security, independence, and digital identity.

Domains

Navigating the Future of Domain Registration and Brand Protection for New TLD Operators

With the next ICANN application round approaching in 2026, DomainCrawler founder Rickard Vikström explains why data – not assumptions – is the key to launching successful and sustainable TLDs.

Feature Digital Policy

Digital Trust & Policy - Call for Contributions

Digital trust is being redefined as new policies reshape the online landscape. From the EU’s landmark regulations to emerging global frameworks, governments are setting fresh rules for digital identity, certification, and governance. This call is asking for insights on how changing policies can drive innovation while protecting users and businesses alike.