EU Tech Loop wrap-up: July 2024
Welcome to the second newsletter of the EU Tech Loop! We hope your OOOs are going well - let's look at what happened to the EU's tech policy in July.
Two elephants in the room for the EU's digital transformation ambition
European Commission published the second report evaluating the implementation of the European grand plan for digital transformation by 2030 - the Digital Decade. The report revealed that many countries lag behind the set deadlines and that more investment and effort are needed. Egle Markeviciute addresses the need to improve Member States' administrative capacity and public procurement here.
Free speech platforms like 'X' will never pass the EU's DSA test
The European Commission released its findings on whether social media platform X has violated the Digital Services Act (DSA). Yaël Ossowski reviewed the case in detail, adding that while the DSA is not explicitly intended as a regulation to restrain speech and business online, its very nature and applicability may irresistibly lead to this end.
Taking a bite out of MiCA, the EU's comprehensive crypto legislation challenging the nature of decentralisation
While the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) offers clear guidelines and protections for the European crypto ecosystem, it also imposes rigorous compliance requirements that may hinder innovation and challenge the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Yaël Ossowski explores the possible impact on the broader crypto industry here.
The new UK Government needs to be careful with its AI regulation ambition
The New Prime Minister of the United Kingdom did not include the AI Bill in the King's Speech. However, the new government plans to conduct consultations and develop some type of regulation. Egle Markeviciute argues that the UK government's ambition to regulate AI must balance innovation with oversight, learning from the EU's AI Act while avoiding its pitfalls.
Contributor's article: Regulation Is Europe’s Key Leverage in Global Tech Industry
CATO's Emma Hopp argues that the EU's regulatory initiatives, such as the Digital Markets Act (DMA), are its primary leverage in the global tech industry. Despite Europe's substantial market and population, it lags behind the U.S. in tech innovation due to high compliance costs and regulatory barriers.
Escaping vendor lock-ins in Europe: will the EU Data Act help Europeans regain technological freedom and choice?
Europeans currently have limited freedom to switch between cloud service providers or explore different options, whether for private use or within the public sector. This dependency on a single provider, where switching involves extra costs, is known as "vendor lock-in". The EU Data Act addresses this issue by requiring cloud service providers to facilitate seamless switching between services and ensure data accessibility across different platforms. Egle Markeviciute thinks that while the effectiveness of the Act remains to be seen, organizations should scrutinize their contracts and practices to avoid unreasonable future costs.
