AIG Newsletter 3 June 2024

News

In this week's edition: The EC establishes a new AI Office and initiates infringement proceedings against 18 member states for non-compliance with the Data Governance Act. Germany and France unveil an agenda to boost the bloc's competitiveness with proposals spanning the Green Deal, AI, and digital regulation. The European Board for Digital Services meets to review DSA enforcement priorities such as transitioning platforms' content codes to legally binding "DSA codes". Ireland proposes an Online Safety Code aligning with the AVMS Directive and DSA for video-sharing platforms. Finally, the EC's Digital Decade Policy Programme aims to digitally transform the EU by 2030.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION ESTABLISHES AI OFFICE

The EC has unveiled a new AI Office which will play a pivotal role in implementing the AI Act and promoting research and innovation in trustworthy AI to establish the EU as a global leader. It will be part of DG CONNECT and comprise of five units: Regulation and Compliance, AI Safety, Excellence in AI and Robotics, AI for Societal Good, and AI Innovation and Policy Coordination.

The Office will have 140 staff members, including specialists, lawyers, and economists and will be headed by Lucilla Sioli. Its primary objectives are to ensure coherent implementation of the AI Act, cooperate with Member States, enforce rules concerning general-purpose AI models, work with the European Artificial Intelligence Board and a Scientific Panel, support the AI ecosystem in Europe by advising on best practices, enabling access to AI sandboxes, and fostering innovation through initiatives like GenAI4EU. The organisational changes will take effect on 16 June, with the first Board meeting scheduled for the end of June.

COMMISSION URGES DATA GOVERNANCE ACT COMPLIANCE

On 23 May, the EC published its May infringement package, initiating legal action against Member States for failing to adhere to their obligations under EU law. Regarding the digital economy, the EC opened infringement procedures by issuing a letter of formal notice to 18 Member States (including Germany, France and Italy) that had not designated a responsible authority to implement the Data Governance Act. These Member States now have two months to respond and address shortcomings. Failure to comply may result in the EC issuing a reasoned opinion.

NEW FRANCO-GERMAN AGENDA FOR THE EU

During a meeting in Berlin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed on a joint statement titled "A new agenda to boost competitiveness and growth in the European Union". This agenda outlines a plan by Germany and France to enhance the EU's competitiveness and growth over the next five years. It emphasises maintaining Europe's status as an industrial and technological leader while transitioning to a climate-neutral economy. Key proposals include strengthening the Green Deal and Green Deal Industrial Plan, reducing dependencies in strategic sectors, developing key technologies like AI and quantum computing, streamlining regulatory frameworks to boost economic momentum, and fostering public and private investments.

DG CONNECT HOSTS EUROPEAN BOARD FOR DIGITAL SERVICES

On 28 May, DG CONNECT hosted the fourth meeting of the European Board for Digital Services. The Digital Services Coordinators (DSC) and the EC reviewed ongoing cases, activities, and enforcement priorities related to the DSA. Discussions covered election integrity ahead of the 2024 European Parliament Elections, updates on the disinformation and hate speech codes of conduct transitioning to "DSA codes of conduct", potential working groups, the Work Plan, internal working arrangements, communication strategies, and future plans. The Board finalised and approved the Rules of Procedure and Mission Statement, pending formal adoption by the EC. Additionally, the "DSA schoolyard guardians initiative" to ensure online safety and security in every European school was discussed. The next Board meeting is scheduled for 20 June.

AVMS & DSA: IRELAND PROPOSES ADOPTION OF ONLINE SAFETY CODE

The Irish Media Regulator has proposed adopting the Online Safety Code to implement Article 28b of the Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) Directive. The draft Code comprises two parts. Part A contains introductory provisions confirming its application to video-sharing platform services (VSPS) providers under Irish jurisdiction and compliance with the DSA. It also outlines general obligations for VSPS providers under Irish law and the AVMS Directive, including measures to protect the public and children.

Part B imposes specific obligations on VSPS providers regarding content, audiovisual commercial communications, and mechanisms and procedures. On content, restrictions must preclude uploading restricted video content and indissociable user-generated content, while adult-only video content must be restricted or rated. For commercial communications, VSPS providers must ensure recognisability and prohibit harmful communications. Reporting or flagging mechanisms, age assurance, parental controls, and account suspensions for infringers are required. Providers must also publish annual media literacy plans, avoid processing children's data for commercial purposes, and report on complaint handling.

ADVANCING THE EU: THE DIGITAL DECADE POLICY PROGRAMME

The EC's Digital Decade Policy Programme, spearheaded by President von der Leyen, aims to propel the EU forward in the digital sphere and ensure its global competitiveness by 2030. This ambitious initiative revolves around four key areas: enhancing digital skills by ensuring 80% of Europeans have basic digital literacy and fostering 20 million ICT specialists; driving the digital transformation of businesses by enabling 75% of EU companies to leverage technologies like cloud, AI, and big data while supporting start-ups; establishing secure and sustainable digital infrastructures through gigabit connectivity, increasing the EU's semiconductor production; introducing quantum acceleration; digitalising public services by providing universal online access to e-health records and digital identities for seamless citizen interactions with the government.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

4 June: AI Governance Global 2024 (IAPP)

5 June: Cyber 2024 (Chatham House)

18 June: Language Technology Landscape Conference (Nimdzi Insights & CONNECT University)

18 June: Digital Europe International Conference (IPPS in Prague)

19 June: EU Vision for Media Policy in the Era of AI (AI4Media)

20 June: Rethinking data in a democratic society (EDPS)

20 June: Expo and Forum (CYBERSEC in Krakow)

20 June: Summer Summit (DIGITAL EUROPE)

24 June: Cedefop Brussels Seminar (Cedefop & Belgian EU Presidency)

26 June: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) in the programmatic advertising ecosystem (IAB)

Stand: 03.06.2024