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AIG Newsletter 9 October 2023

Advertising Information Group-Newsletter

Lesedauer: 3 Minuten

10.10.2023

CONTENT:

NEWS

COMMISSION PUBLISHES ‘STATE OF THE DIGITAL DECADE’ REPORT

On 27 September, the Commission published its first Report on the state of the Digital Decade providing an overview of the EU’s progress towards digital transformation and an assessment of its performance against the 2030 objectives and targets. The report focussed on digital skills, digital infrastructure, and digitalisation of public services, as well as the monitoring of the European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles. The aim of the text was to call for collective action from EUMS to address investment gaps, accelerate digital transformation and intensify efforts to meet Digital Decade objectives.


COMMISSION LAUNCHES DSA TRANSPARENCY DATABASE

On 26 September, the Commission launched the Transparency Database under the DSA framework. Under the regulation, all providers of hosting services are required to provide users with information on whether they remove or restrict access to certain content. Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) are now required to provide this data, while it will be mandatory for all other providers from 17 February 2024 onwards. Major online platforms who signed the code of practice on disinformation also published new reports on their commitment to reduce disinformation, enhance transparency and provide relevant data.


DGA ENTERS INTO EFFECT 

On 24 September, the Data Governance Act (DGA) came into effect. The regulation’s objective is to create a new European approach to data governance, based on increasing trust in data-sharing while fostering the secure sharing of data across sectors and countries and promotes data altruism. The Act also establishes the European Data Innovation Board, which will issue guidelines on European data spaces, and identify standards and interoperability requirements for cross-sector data sharing.


EP PLENARY DISCUSSES EMFA AND ADOPTS POSITION  

On 3 October, the EP discussed and adopted its EMFA proposal with 448 votes cast in favour, 102 against, and 7 abstentions. The EP’s position puts particular focus on the protection of the media from interference, and on banning the use of spyware against journalists. The report also includes provisions against arbitrary decisions by VLOPs on content moderation that could adversely impact media freedom. The EP also envisages the creation of a new and independent European Board for Media Services and an independent "expert group" to advise the Board. During the debate, a majority of MEPs underlined the importance of this file, not only to protect media freedom and pluralism, but to protect democracy. The Council agreed on its position in June 2023. Colegislators are now ready to enter interinstitutional negotiations.
The Council agreed on its position in June 2023. Co-legislators are now ready to enter interinstitutional negotiations.


BENIFEI URGES EUMS TO COMPROMISE ON AI RULES 

Brando Benifei, the EU’s lead on AI rules, has urged EUMS to compromise on key areas in order to reach an agreement by the end of the year. EU lawmakers are seeking to ban AI use in biometric surveillance. The issue is that EUMS, led by France, is seeking exceptions for national security and defence purposes. Lawmakers are also seeking AI legislation to cover copyrighted material used by companies such as OpenAI. Benifei argued that EUMS needs to be more flexible if a deal is to be reached by the end of the year. However, Benifei is optimistic that an agreement can be found on the final text. You can read more here


DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

11 October: Beyond nice words: standardising trustworthy AI, Centre for European Policy Studies

18-19 October: International Information Security Meeting, Spanish Presidency

24 October: Patent protection for EU funding beneficiaries – digital communication, European Patent Office (EPO)

26 October: The Spanish Presidency and the future of European Digitalization: Learnings from Spain as a global digital hub, Adigital