[mylifeandtimes]

EU law gives every citizen a right to a bank account.

I wonder if EU law could give every citizen a right to a google or Apple account, including a forced recovery option if the account is 'deactivated'?

If at some point such an account becomes essential to function in society, access to such an account becomes a legal mandate.

[xdennis]

> EU law gives every citizen a right to a bank account.

That directive regulates banks from denying the opening of a basic payment account. But there is no legislation preventing governments from freezing accounts, Canada-style. As far as I know, there's no protection against being de-banked.

[marcosdumay]

Does the constitution of any EU country allow them to de-bank people? Or even freezing entire accounts instead of some fixed amount inside them?

That's a severe human-rights issue.

[Avicebron]

I mean, try getting a job without an email account and a cell phone number.

[firecall]

Indeed.

Here in Australia, the local and state governments push the use of their Apps as well.

These Apps provide access to identity documents, offical notifications, and messages for health, benefits and taxation purposes.

Then there is Banking and the issues around becoming a cashless digital society…

It’s become less about access to hardware devices, as useable devices can often be free when donated by a friend or relative, and more about continuity of access to your digital life.

The risk of losing access to your online identity or having it stolen are very real with often traumatic results for individuals.

[verisimi]

People love the EU and its oh-so-lovely legislation to keep them safe/lose privacy.

"EU laws", the EU in general is plainly the excuse that will carry the day - people seem to believe this 'good cop' rendition.