From Gadgets to Garbage: The Global E-Waste Crisis

April 15, 2025 Andersen Leave a comment

We all depend on our devices – for work, for school, for staying connected with friends and family, and keeping up with daily life. When the latest model of phones, laptops, tablets and other gadgets become available, we are often tempted to upgrade, even if our current device works just fine. Big companies rely on this constant cycle of consumer desire for the next best thing to drive their massive profits. But with that comes the increasing problem of electronic waste, or e-waste. When we upgrade to the latest model, what happens to the old one?

The answer is that discarded electronics end up in landfills or are shipped off to developing countries, often in spite of going through proper recycling channels. The burden of managing the environmental consequences of this waste disproportionately falls on poorer countries. Below, we discuss the devastating impacts of e-waste and the environmental crisis it has caused, and the efforts to mitigate the harmful effects.

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EU’s AI Act versus GDPR – are there overlaps and contradictions?

March 9, 2025 Åge BA Leave a comment

Post updated 31.03.2025

In our previous post on the AI Act, we concluded with a remark concerning the AI Act and the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): Are the two regulations aligned, or are there contradictions?

In this post we want to explore this question.

NOTE: When speaking about personal data and data subjects in the following, it is in the context of the GDPR. In addition, our concerns about AI and GDPR are mainly directed at general-purpose AI systems (GPAI-systems) where large amounts of (scraped) data is used to train the GPAI-model on which the GPAI-system is built. (See box F below for exact definitions.)

The scope of the AI Act is comprehensive – it applies to any actor and user of AI systems within the jurisdiction of the European Union law, regardless of the actor’s country of residence.

As the GDPR, the AI Act is a regulation, contrary to a directive, which means that EU member countries have to implement it in their own legislation with only minor adaptive changes. The AI Act has EEA (European Economic Area) relevance as well, which means that the AI Act has to be implemented in Norwegian legislation – as the GDPR was.

Intersection between AI and Privacy regulation [Source]

The diagram shown illustrates the situation: There are some obvious overlaps because AI systems may process personal data, and so GDPR principles apply.

On that basis, we could say “end of story” and “case closed”. However, there are some differences and potential conflicts, making it worthwhile to spend some time on the issue.

It is beyond the scope of this blog post to cover all aspects of the issue at hand, so let’s discuss the fundamentals, with what’s most relevant to Runbox in mind.

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The State of the Internet – Misinformation and the Role of Fact Checking

February 27, 2025 Andersen Leave a comment

The internet has transformed how we communicate, access information, and connect with each other, but it’s also brought new challenges, particularly when it comes to distinguishing fact from fiction. As misinformation and disinformation spread rapidly across social media and other online outlets, telling truth from fiction is becoming increasingly difficult. And while fact-checking is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of information, some will argue that fact-checking and content moderation is nothing but censorship and a threat to free speech. This raises important questions about the role of online platforms in fact-checking and moderating content, and what responsibility they have to their users. In this article, we’ll explore where fact-checking stands today, how platforms are handling content moderation, and the impact these changes are having.

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Big Tech red letters on black backround with words like market dominance, influence, antitrust probes, corporate power.

The Power of Big Tech

February 18, 2025 Andersen Leave a comment

The influence of big tech companies on our lives is undeniable. With limited oversight and a focus on maximizing profits, these corporations have become increasingly powerful. They rely on unrestricted access to our personal data to maximize profits, which puts them at odds with any form of regulation. They actively seek to shape policies that protect their lucrative revenue streams, and resist regulatory measures that could limit their power.

Without accountability, big tech companies put profits ahead of our privacy. They leave us vulnerable to misinformation and bias, and contribute to the shaping and manipulation of public opinion. As the digital world continues to develop, we’re likely to see more attempts to deregulate to protect their bottom lines.

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The Runbox Difference: Real People, Real Support

February 7, 2025 Andersen Leave a comment

At Runbox, we pride ourselves on offering personalized support. We are employee owned, which means our team is truly invested in your success. We know how crucial your inbox is, and we believe that fast, effective support can make all the difference in your email experience. When you reach out, you’re communicating with real people, not chatbots or someone with a script. Our support team are co-owners of the company, and know the service inside and out. We genuinely care about helping you. Unlike big companies, where support can feel impersonal, we provide expert assistance tailored to your needs. Whether you’re facing a technical issue or need advice, we’re here to make sure your email works the way you want.

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Is Your Email Safe? Why Storing Data in the U.S. is Becoming Riskier

January 23, 2025 Andersen Leave a comment

In today’s digital world, protecting our personal data has never been more crucial. With governments, corporations, and hackers all vying for access to our information, it’s important to understand where our data is being stored and who has access to it. Certain countries, such as the United States, have become a concerning destination for data, with its extensive surveillance infrastructure and lack of robust privacy protections.

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Protecting Your Privacy – The Runbox Commitment

January 14, 2025 Andersen Leave a comment

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. The need for data privacy and the ability to communicate freely has never been more critical. Both individuals and businesses rely on secure online communication to safeguard sensitive information, especially as surveillance technologies continue to monitor and exploit digital interactions. At Runbox, we believe that privacy is more than just a feature; it is the core value that guides our service and our operations. Located in Norway, we are deeply committed to user privacy, which is supported by the country’s strong legal framework. Here, we explore why our location is vital for your privacy protection and how it aligns with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

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