Digital policy

All news and posts of our editorial team on the topic

Breton calls for ChatGPT regulation
The European Union wants to counter potential risks from the spread of artificial intelligence (AI) with legislation. “As showcased by ChatGPT, AI solutions can offer great opportunities for businesses and citizens, but can also pose risks,” European Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton said Friday. “This is why we need a solid regulatory framework to ensure […] continue reading →
Digital Agenda 2023: Conclusion of important dossiers
There is little time to work on extensive new legislation before the election campaign begins in Europe. In addition, the EU still has a lot of work to do to complete important projects such as the AI Act and the Data Act. continue reading →
Commission revises broadband guidelines
The many “white spots” on maps show that broadband expansion is not progressing as it should. This is not only the case in Germany, which ranks in the middle of the pack in a European comparison. That’s why the European Commission adopted new guidelines on state aid for broadband networks (Broadband Guidelines) on Monday. In […] continue reading →
EU-US data flow: draft adequacy decision to be adopted
In the coming days, the EU Commission will present its proposal for an adequacy decision within the framework of the so-called EU-US Data Privacy Framework. This is to be the prerequisite for companies to be able to transfer personal data subject to the GDPR to the USA in the future with legal certainty. The spokesperson […] continue reading →
EU Telecom Council reaches agreement on AI Act and eID
Under the Czech presidency, ministers in the EU Telecoms Council advanced several digital dossiers on Tuesday. The agenda included the adoption of the Council’s General Orientations on the draft of the AI Act and the European digital identity (eID). Progress reports on the Data Act and Cyber Resilience Act were also discussed. For the Data […] continue reading →
EU Defense Fund: over 100 applications for research projects
Europe’s defense industry has responded with keen interest to the second call for proposals from the European Defense Fund (EDF): The EU Commission reported 134 applications for joint research projects after the application deadline at the end of November. A total of €924 million is available from the Defense Fund to support the projects. The […] continue reading →
Metaverse: Europe’s plans for the immersive Internet
In September, Breton announced that the Commission plans to advance the development of the metaverse. He did not specify how. The business community is already one step ahead – and also has concrete wishes for the EU. continue reading →
Data Act: main discussion points
How must a fair data law be structured to get data traffic moving and promote innovation? Negotiations on the Data Act are currently underway – and the industry has formulated clear demands. continue reading →
Stefan Schnorr – the digital strategist
Stefan Schnorr has been involved with digitization since the 1990s. Back then, when he was appointed to the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Justice from his judgeship, one of his first tasks was to set up the first Internet connections in the ministry’s press office. The days of screeching modems are long gone, but the subject still […] continue reading →
Chips Act: Member states reach agreement
EU states have agreed on a common position on the European Chips Act. The latest compromise proposal of the Czech Council presidency met with broad approval, EU diplomats reported after the meeting of deputy EU ambassadors on Wednesday. At the Competitiveness Council on Dec. 1, ministers then want to finalize the general direction for the […] continue reading →
CSAM regulation: much discussion, little progress
What may, what must providers do to take action against depictions of sexual abuse? Neither the Council nor Parliament are in any great hurry to negotiate the dossier. Too many questions surrounding "chat control" have yet to be clarified. continue reading →
AI Act still about details
The discussion continues. It is true that the Permanent Representatives of the member states in the Council agreed to the Council Presidency’s proposal for a General Approach on the AI Act on Friday, including Germany. However, from Germany’s point of view, this is not final. There are still some detailed adjustments that Germany hopes can […] continue reading →
Permanent representatives to vote on AI Act today
Just before the Permanent Representatives Committee is scheduled to vote on the general approach to the AI Act this Friday, data and consumer advocates warn that the bill contains many risky exemptions. “Member state representatives are on the verge of agreeing on a weak position on the AI Act, and consumers have reason to worry,” […] continue reading →
Digital Markets Act: current implementation status
The EU Commission is currently creating the internal structures to enforce the new competition rules for digital groups. Informal talks with the companies are already underway. There is little room left for national competition regulators. continue reading →
Digital Services Act: These are the first steps
The DSA is supposed to bring more transparency and control over what happens on major online platforms and search engines. To achieve this, the Commission needs new staff and is therefore establishing a new team of experts. continue reading →
Dark patterns – the dark side of cookies
Cookie banners and consent have been a political and legal bone of contention for years. Controversial influencing techniques, the so-called dark patterns, caused legislative activity most recently. Read what is likely to be prohibited, what operators will have to watch out for in the future against the backdrop of the DSA, and how the debate could end abruptly. continue reading →
AI Act: Council prepares general approach
The Council is fully on schedule on AI regulation. On Friday, taking into account the latest written comments from member states, the Czech Presidency sent out the final version of the compromise text on the AI Act, which is available to Europe.Table. Now the Permanent Representatives Committee is asked to consider the text for a […] continue reading →
EU looks on: spyware scandal in Greece
Greece is rocked by a wiretapping scandal: The Predator spyware was allegedly used against members, employees and opponents of the government. After the Pegasus revelations in Poland, France, Spain and Hungary, this is the next big scandal. The EU institutions are helpless. continue reading →