April 23, 2024, 4:05 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
There are often fundamental changes in regulations and laws. TECHBOOK reveals what consumers can expect in May and which changes they should be aware of.
“April showers bring May flowers,” as the saying goes. Indeed, the fifth month of the year brings several adjustments in various areas. Deutsche Bahn is discontinuing an app, Meta is increasingly highlighting artificial intelligence, and this year’s Eurovision Song Contest will see a change–just a few of the updates consumers can expect in May.
Overview
Want to know what changes are coming in June? Find all the important information in our consumer overview.
More Leisure Time for Consumers in May
May is beneficial for employees, as there are several holidays this month. Starting with Labor Day on May 1 (Wednesday), Ascension Day on May 9 (Thursday), and Whit Monday on May 20, three nationwide holidays offer potential short breaks from work. Some states can even enjoy a fourth day off with Corpus Christi on May 30 (Thursday).
Those planning to travel during these days should be aware of the higher air travel tax, which will apply to flights from May. It increases by about 20 percent and is to be paid by the airlines, who are likely to pass the costs on to passengers. As a result, flight tickets from Germany will become more expensive starting in May.
Bahn Discontinues Important App
Those who prefer traveling by train should note that Deutsche Bahn will discontinue an important app on May 2. The DB Streckenagent, which provided travelers with information on cancellations, delays, or other disruptions, will be affected. However, the app’s functions will not be lost but will be integrated into the DB Navigator, which Deutsche Bahn continues to expand. Action is required for those who booked their Deutschlandticket through the DB Streckenagent, as the subscription will automatically end with the app’s discontinuation. Read more about it in our detailed article.
Meta with AI Notice
Artificial intelligence is becoming indispensable in many areas, especially in digital services and offerings. This can be problematic when AI-generated texts, images, or videos are not immediately apparent to readers and viewers. Meta aims to address this. Instead of deleting the content, it will be marked with a special AI warning notice for consumers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads starting in May. This mainly affects content available to the general public.
Also read: Abuse of AI-generated nude images is increasing–a lawyer explains your rights
DB Discontinues App: What Users Need to Know
These Changes Await Consumers in the Tech Sector Starting April 2024
Change in ID Card and Passport
A small but relevant change is coming in May for consumers with a doctorate or professorship title. The previous display of such a title before the last name sometimes caused issues abroad when verifying ID cards or passports. For this reason, a change will take effect on May 1.
The title will no longer be displayed before the last name, as this does not comply with the international standard in place since 2004. EU member states agreed on this back then, but Germany has not implemented the regulation until now. They have maintained the display of the doctorate title and will continue to do so. However, there will be a new data field for it on the back of the ID card or on the first page of the passport. The change applies to all IDs that consumers apply for from May 1 onward.
New Regulation at ESC
In the realm of streaming and television, a new regulation at the ESC stands out in May. The Eurovision Song Contest has been one of the largest live events for music and entertainment in Europe for decades. It is primarily funded by five countries, including Germany, known as the Big Five. Representatives from these countries have the right to present their song live in full length during the two semi-final shows.
Another change affects the final live show. In the future, viewers can cast their votes by phone and online as soon as the first performance begins.