AIG Newsletter 13 June 2022

POLITICAL ADVERTISING

AIG op-ed on political advertising

Last week, the AIG published an op-ed with EU Reporter to discuss issues related to the European Commission’s proposal to regulate political advertising. Whilst the EU intends to set out rules on political ads, it will be important for policymakers to carefully consider what ads will be included within scope. We are concerned that the Commission’s current definition of political advertising could impact commercial and issue-based advertising. We continue to engage with policymakers as they develop their thinking.

DIGITAL

EP LIBE discussed the Digital Services Act (DSA) deal

On 30 May, the EP LIBE Committee held a discussion on the DSA. The Rapporteur for the LIBE opinion, Patrick Breyer MEP (Greens/EFA) noted that many elements from the LIBE opinion were included in the Parliament’s final position. Looking at the outcome of the last DSA trilogue, he noted that LIBE prevented more far-reaching intrusions into fundamental rights, such as the proposals to introduce fixed take-down deadlines, which would have impacted free speech. 

MEP Breyer believed there was limited success on ‘surveillance advertising’ and that the DSA deal was far from the desired outcome. However, he noted that other important files, such as the proposal on political advertising, would be an opportunity to continue to push a ban on targeted advertising.

E-PRIVACY

The French Presidency informed the Council about e-Privacy and the Path to the Digital Decade

On 3 June, the Telecommunications Council heard from the French Presidency on the progress made on the ePrivacy regulation and the decision on the Path to the Digital Decade. On the e-Privacy Regulation, the French Presidency explained that the co-legislators agreed on various elements of the legislation, including the territorial scope and proposals aimed at protecting personal data. Technical discussions with the EP had started relating to the confidentiality of electronic communications and processing of electronic data. 

Regarding the Path to the Digital Decade, the French Presidency noted that where Council discussions had started under the Slovenian Presidency (Jul-Dec 2021), four compromises had been drafted so far. On 11 May, the Presidency mandate was adopted in COREPER for negotiations with the EP. A trilogue is expected to take place at the end of June.

DATA

The Telecoms Council discussed a progress report on the Data Act

On 3 June, the Telecommunications council met in Luxembourg to discuss the progress report on the Data Act. The objectives of the proposal include fostering access to and the use of data, as well ensuring that the value of data is spread across different actors in the data economy. 

Work on the file started in March. The French Presidency has worked to advance the discussions, having completed the first reading of the proposal. The main issues identified relate to scope, the Internet of Things (IoT), the sharing of data between the private and public sector, and the interaction with sectoral legislation. EUMS shared comments on issues such as the secure sharing of data, data users’ rights and the strengthening of IP safeguards. The proposal was expected to advance during the incoming Czech presidency. 

MEDIA PLURALISM

The Commission launched a call to monitor and defend media freedom and pluralism

On 3 May, the Commission published a € 4.1m call to monitor and defend media freedom and pluralism, funded by the Creative Europe programme. Approx. €1m would strengthen the position of media councils and develop journalistic standards. The remaining € 3.1m would allow the EU to continue to provide a rapid reaction mechanism to protect journalists at risk after 2023. 

Since 2020, the rapid reaction mechanism has provided assistance, legal aid and shelter to journalists under threat, whilst also recording attacks on journalists, having most recently helped Ukrainian journalists in exile. Non-profit and international organisations, educational institutions and research centres in the EU and associated countries (incl. Ukraine), can submit proposals until 20 September. More information about EU-funded projects is available here.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

14 June: The Digital Enterprise Show.

14 June: Green ICT - How can the digital sector accelerate the green transition?, EURACTIV and GIGAEurope.

16 June: The Future of Data Protection: Effective Enforcement in the Digital World, EDPS.

20 June: Annual Summer Summit, DIGITALEUROPE.

21 June: The Digital Assembly, The French Presidency.

21 June: EU Artificial Intelligence Act: potential impact beyond high-risk applications, The European Internet Forum. 

23 June: AIG Exchange, 3-4pm (via Microsoft Teams).

30 June: Child Safety Online Conference, ForumEurope