Technological guide for returning to routine.
On the eve of the return to routine and the end of the holidays, ‘Euronews’ offers you a guide to What to expect in technology policy in the coming months, as well as an update with what you may have missed this summer.
What’s coming…
A (new?) digital curator
In October, when the European Parliament plans approve the new commissionerswe will know who will succeed Thierry Breton in the Internal Market portfolio, which is in charge of a series of digital files. Breton, proposed for a second term, could succeed himself, since most of the other candidates lack technology experience.
The newly elected College of Commissioners is expected to take office on November 1, but delays have not been ruled out. ‘Euronews’ has brought together the confirmed and rumored candidates, as well as their desired portfolio, in their Commissioner Trackerwhich is constantly updated.
Elections in the United States
Former Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris are going on par in the polls for the presidential elections. The results could significantly affect the country’s relationship with the European Union (EU) and, in general, its technological policy.
Kamala Harris, with her strong connections to Silicon Valley and her emphasis on ethical technological innovation, is likely to continue Biden approachwhich is closer to the EU’s regulatory nature on artificial intelligence (AI) security and digital governance.
Under an upcoming Trump administration, there will likely be an agenda based on the motto ‘America First.’ That policy, which prioritizes deregulation and internal issuescould provoke new transatlantic tensions. Trump has the support of figures from the world of technology, such as Elon Musk, who has openly opposed the regulation of platforms.
IA
The AI Law went into effect in August, but the hard work has only just begun. Companies have to start complying with the rules, but Member States also have to appoint regulators. The AI Office has begun seeking corporate input in a general consultation on the technology before moving forward on upcoming guidelines.
More is also expected from the AI Pact, commitments to help companies prepare for the legal framework. With the Pact, the Commission aims for companies to anticipate the AI Law with voluntary commitments and share ideas through workshops organized by the AI Office of the EU executive. The incoming Parliament will likely focus on gray areas such as AI and copyright, liability and AI in the workplace.
CASS
Behind him failure last June of the compromise proposed by the Belgian presidency on the controversial Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) regulation, new discussions will begin in the EU Council in October. The Hungarian presidency will be in charge of reaching a general approachafter both the Spanish and Belgian presidencies deadlocked on the issue of scanning encrypted messages and images. The Hungarians plan to find a way out of this impasse in December.
Cybersecurity
A group of experts from the European Commission failed to reach an agreement on voluntary certificates for cloud services (EUCS) and the debate became politicized in recent months. It is expected thatthat the debates continue after the summer. Meanwhile, the Cybersecurity Act (CSA), which gives the European Cybersecurity Agency (ENISA) the mandate to develop such certificates, is under review.
Telecommunications
We are waiting for the results of the consultation on the future of telecommunications and digital infrastructure which was closed at the end of June, and which will be the basis of a Commission proposal in early 2025. The debate, initiated by Breton last year, was subject to strong pressure from the telecommunications industry, as well as of the largest platforms. None of them want to contribute more to the construction of advanced networks.
To not lose sight
The citizen initiativeStop Destroying Video Games‘(‘Stop Video Game Destruction’) is gaining momentum. The petition, launched on July 31, has already gathered more than 300,000 signatures, asking the EU to prevent video game license publishers from disabling their games when support ends. The authors of this initiative have one year to gather the million signatures needed for the European Commission to study.
What has been lost…
European chips
In an attempt to increase European production of microchips, a European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC) will be built in Dresden (Saxony). The new plant It will produce high-performance chips for industrial and automotive applications, and is expected to operate at full capacity in 2029.
No vacation for Elon Musk
Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of social media platform Musk counterattacked by stating that “the European Commission offered X an illegal secret deal if we discreetly censored [el derecho de] expression without telling anyone.”
In late July, the United Kingdom was shocked by a knife attack, followed by violent protests across the country. Musk ratcheted up tension on social media, declaring that a “civil war” was breaking out. These actions could add to the DSA’s already important investigation against X, as he said a ‘Euronews’.
ADVERTISINGIn early August, Musk had to face new complaints about using user data to train X’s AI model. With the US elections getting closer, Musk, a strong supporter of Donald Trump, shared a fake video of Kamala Harris and programmed an interview with the Republican candidate for August 13. The day before, Thierry Breton published a letter in which reminded X of his obligations under the DSA. Despite everything, Musk received the back from Republican politicians and civil society, who stated that Breton’s measure should be interpreted as electoral interference.
New Parliament, new faces
The newly elected members of the European Parliament held their first plenary session from 16 to 19 July. ‘Euronews’ has compiled a list of who will be influential in technological and digital matters during this legislature. Among them, there are two former Meta employees, who revive the conversation about the regulation of revolving doors. The next plenary session will take place from September 16 to 19 in Strasbourg.
