Understanding Norms and Standards in the Digital World
Berlin, 6 October 2025 – Whether it’s Wi-Fi, a USB port, or a Bluetooth headset connection – for digital technologies to function smoothly and securely, they need to “speak” a common language. This language is defined by technical norms and standards, which are becoming increasingly important in light of new EU regulations such as the AI Act on artificial intelligence and the Cyber Resilience Act on cybersecurity. To provide guidance in this increasingly complex field of IT standardization, Bitkom, Germany’s digital association, has published a new online resource: the “Compass IT Standards”. The platform is designed to serve as a central point of reference, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping them navigate the growing landscape of IT standards. “The European standardization system has proven effective for physical products and can also support compliance with the new digital regulations,” says Vera Wesselkamp, Bitkom’s expert for technical regulation and standardization. “However, when it comes to new digital products, we need less bureaucracy and faster processes.” The European Commission is currently reviewing the EU’s standardization framework, with a legislative proposal expected by mid-2026.
The new “Compass IT Standards” serves as a practical guide for companies developing and marketing digital products in the European market. In addition to explaining the differences between norms and standards and how they are created, it answers key questions such as:
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Which standards are relevant to my digital product?
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How are EU laws like the AI Act connected to technical standards?
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Where can I find the most important standards?
A particular focus is placed on standards in the areas of information security, data protection, digital identities, and artificial intelligence.
