AIG Newsletter 29 May 2023

NEWS

IMCO RECIEVES BRIEFING ON POLITICAL ADS NEGOTIATIONS 

On 22 May, the IMCO Committee received a briefing on interinstitutional negotiations on the transparency and targeting of political advertising. Rapporteur Sandor Gozi (RE) noted that the third trilogue session took place on 5 May. IMCO discussed several topics, ranging from the scope of political advertising under article 2, to the importance of balancing the need for transparency with freedom of expressions rights. The next trilogue session is scheduled for 5 June.

IMCO CONSIDERS AMENDMENTS ON EMFA DRAFT OPINION 

On 22 May, the IMCO Committee considered amendments to its draft opinion on the EMFA. Topics of discussion at the meeting included: the importance of a sustainable environment for young journalists and consistency with the DSA; the need to protect journalists from unfair investigations and to ensure transparency in media ownership; concerns about press freedom in Hungary and Poland and the necessity for European minimum standards. Rapporteur Geoffroy Didier (FR) consolidated 700 amendments into 28 articles. He called for the opinion to be finalised, before being presented to the CULT Committee. He noted that further meetings would take place in the coming weeks.

LIBE GRILLS UK INFORMATION COMMISSIONER 

On 23 May, the LIBE Committee welcomed John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner, to discuss the UK’s proposals for reforming its data protection laws. Edwards reassured MEPs of the UK recognition of EU-UK cooperation on data protection, and its respect for GDPR. On the DPDI (No.2) Bill, Edwards argued that the draft would not replace GDPR, but instead amend the existing framework. He informed MEPs that under the Secretary of State will be able to set ICO objectives under the current proposals. He noted that these powers would not affect the independence of the regulator. However, in response, MEPs expressed concerns over the Bill, including on risks to ICO independence. MEPs also cautioned Edwards that the proposals in the Bill could influence the EU’s decision to renew its adequacy agreement with the UK.

CULT HOLDS DISCUSSIONS WITH COMMISSIONER BRETON 

On 24 May, the CULT Committee met with Commissioner Breton to discuss AVMSD implementation, the copyright directive and the EMFA. Breton presented the Media Outlook, a comprehensive report that analyses market trends and competitiveness in the European media industry. IP protection and tackling piracy were highlighted as important areas to safeguard the competitiveness of the European cultural and creative sectors. Breton also touched on virtual worlds and the creation of a media data space. He stressed financial independence and adequate financing as being crucial pillars for maintaining a strong and vibrant cultural sector. On the EMFA, Breton noted that the act aims to safeguard transparency and to protect pluralism.

IRISH DATA REGULATOR ANNOUNCES CONCLUSION OF INQUIRY INTO META 

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) announced the conclusion of its inquiry into Meta, examining the basis upon which Meta Ireland transferred personal data from the EU/EEA to the US in connection with the delivery of its Facebook service. Notably, it found that the data transfers in question were being carried out in breach of Article 46(1) GDPR; and in those circumstances, the data transfers should be suspended. Meta was also issued an administrative fine of the amount of €1.2 billion.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

1 June: Summer Summit, DIGITALEUROPE

2 June: Information Day – DIGITAL Europe Programme, European Commission

12 June:EC – 3rd Countries Trust Services Forum, DIGIT AND CNECT

13 June: Generative AI – What is the cost for the information industry? EURACTIV

15 June: Digital Assembly 2023: A Digital, Open and Secure Europe, Swedish Presidency and European Commission

20 June: 2023 Annual Event, FEDMA

27 June: Digital Services Act Stakeholder event, DG CNECT

Stand: 01.06.2023