Train, passport photos, AI
What changes important in August
The railway blocks one of its most important routes, and new rules and passport automatons apply to AI. August brings these changes.
August brings some important changes, especially for train commuters in the north. The new month also promises important innovations for energy customers and in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
Locking of the Berlin-Hamburg railway line
From August 1 to the end of April 2026, the train route between Hamburg and Berlin will be closed. The reason is a comprehensive general renovation with which the railway wants to modernize the route. Passenger and freight traffic will be redirected during this time. Where there are no trains, replacement traffic by bus should bring travelers to their destination.
Only digital passport photos allowed
When applying for a new ID card or passport, only digital images are accepted, paper photos are history. The passport authority only accepts digital photos that either be made directly in the authority or sent there by a photo studio on a defined, secure transmission path. The requirements had already entered into force in May, but by the end of July, analog passports will be accepted in the exceptional cases.
Minocated tariff for solar power drops again
If you buy a new photovoltaic system, you have to expect a lower remuneration: the so -called feed -in tariff – i.e. the amount that is obtained for solar power in the network – is reduced by one percent every six months. The next cut will take place on August 1st.
Stricter AI rules for Chatgpt & Co.
In the EU, stricter transparency obligations come to Chatgpt, Gemini and other large AI systems. Providers of such general AI models must disclose how their systems work and with what data they have been trained.
The basis is the AI Act, a comprehensive EU law of the EU, which is intended to make artificial intelligence more transparent and safer. The rules apply from August 2, but their official enforcement is staggered – from 2026 for new models, from 2027 for existing ones. In the event of violations, the Brussels authority then threatens.
More cyber protection for electronic devices
Whether cell phone, fitness tracker or smart children’s toys – from August 1st, new safety rules apply to many electronic devices in the EU that are directly or indirectly connected to the Internet. Products that are new on the market must prove that they meet basic requirements for protection against cyber attacks, data abuse and fraud. In this way, confidential communication will be better secured in the future.
Consumers should recognize the increased safety standard on the CE license plate. The new regulation applies to manufacturers, importers and trade.
All children in Germany during the big holidays
On August 1st, Bavaria starts the last federal state in the summer vacation. Until August 10th, all students in Germany will be on the big holidays for around a week before it starts again on August 11th: Then the children and young people in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia open the new school year.
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Source: Stern
