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Lots to unpack on digital rule making today — as Europe again tries to set global agenda on regulating Big Tech.
Announcement is expected around 15:00 CET. But here’s everything that you need to know:
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Announcement is expected around 15:00 CET. But here’s everything that you need to know:
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First, let’s get into what’s being announced. The first set of rules, known as the Digital Services Act, will place greater responsibility on large platforms over illegal content/goods. Here’s a breakdown of those plans https://politi.co/37gQCSH
In short: max 6% fines, requirements to audit/monitor risks on companies’ platforms, greater data access for outsiders.
Big issue: who’s going to enforce. It’ll be up to national regulators, and most Big Tech firms are based in…. Ireland.
Big issue: who’s going to enforce. It’ll be up to national regulators, and most Big Tech firms are based in…. Ireland.
Next, the Digital Markets Act. We don’t have that leak (alas), but the main things will be specific do’s and don’ts for “gatekeeper” companies, or dominant digital firms, about how they can operate online.
Most importantly, it’ll likely include limits on which new markets companies can enter, tougher regulatory oversight to allow smaller firms to compete & ongoing fining/remedy powers for wrongdoing.
We will know more details in a couple of hours.
We will know more details in a couple of hours.
And, in case you had forgotten, these proposals come on the back of the EU pushing for limits on political ads & a new (voluntary) code of practice on disinformation. More here https://politi.co/3lC1DS8 & https://politi.co/3lylotZ
In short, it’s a pretty big overhaul. But remember: these are just proposals. Any new rules will likely come in only by 2023, at the earliest. And there’s a lot of lobbying to be had between now and then.
Talking of lobbying, here’s how that’s played out as Silicon Valley has vied for influence with industrial players & civil society groups. Lots of Zoom calls, WhatsApp chats & shifting of priorities https://politi.co/3aaU96W
Pay attention to the two EU officials making today’s announcement, @vestager & @ThierryBreton. They will portray a united front. But behind the scenes, they have repeatedly clashed on the digital rules. Here’s how https://politi.co/3ng01PP
Worth remembering: it’s not just Europe looking to re-write digital rules. UK also announced new fines on platforms that didn’t protect people online today https://politi.co/3miwUtJ
The US, after being credible slow on all things digital, is starting to catch up. FTC & DoJ lawsuits against @Facebook & @Google, respectively. Renewed calls to overhaul Section 230 — the US content livability regime. (Personally, I’m skeptical, but hey ho)
Let’s put this into perspective. Policymakers worldwide believe there’s an issue with how digital markets operate & people need to be better protected online. So far, so good.
But where they differ is how to mitigate those problems, while also boosting innovation & not coming across as protectionist (expect “EU hates US tech” articles aplenty later today. Me: meh)
What everyone, including the companies, agrees on is that something isn’t working, that something needs to be “fixed.”
But what that “fix” looks like is still an open question, one that is no where near getting answered
But what that “fix” looks like is still an open question, one that is no where near getting answered
And, just because I’m on a roll here, it’s worthing noting that as the West bickers among itself, China and its digital model keeps rolling — and increasingly becomes more attractive to other parts of the world.
It’s hard not to see this as a geopolitical play, one where EU & US have so much in common, but can’t get their act together — for some very legitimate differences on digital policy & fundamental rights
So yeah, that’s what you need to know ahead of today’s announcement.
It’s been a busy week.
It’s been a busy week.
Rant over. Thoughts appreciated.
