Welcome to the Spring 2024 edition of our Tech Policy Brief from the Centre for Democracy & Technology Europe. This season, we dive into pressing tech and internet policy issues across Europe, the U.S., and beyond, and provide CDT’s perspective on their impact on digital rights.
Stay connected with us for the latest updates and sign up for CDT Europe’s AI newsletter on our website. Don’t hesitate to contact our Brussels team: Asha Allen, Silvia Lorenzo Perez, Laura Lazaro Cabrera, Aimée Duprat-Macabies, David Klotsonis, and Jonathan Schmidt.
Upcoming Event: Combating Spyware in the EU
Event Date: 15 May
Topic: Addressing the Aftermath of the Pegasus Spyware Scandal
In 2021, the Pegasus spyware scandal shocked the world by exposing the dangers of government surveillance. Despite calls for action, progress at the EU level has been slow. This online high-level event will bring together key representatives from the EU and other regions to discuss the need for stronger regulations against spyware misuse.
Why Attend?
- Learn about the latest developments in spyware regulation.
- Hear from experts on the need for human-rights protective approaches.
- Engage with key institutional representatives.
RSVP on CDT’s website for more details.
AI Act: Falling Short on Human Rights
Date of Approval: 13 March
The European Parliament has approved the AI Act, aiming to set a global standard for human rights protection. However, the final version of the Act is disappointing. Key provisions, like fundamental rights impact assessments and prohibitions on certain AI uses, are too diluted.
Key Concerns:
- Providers can self-assess their AI systems, potentially bypassing high-risk obligations.
- The scope of prohibitions and requirements is limited.
Learn More:
- Overview of the EU AI Act
- Privacy and surveillance issues in the Act
Stay tuned for our next explainer!
Digital Services Act: Civil Society Coordination
Event Date: 17 April
Hosted by: CDT Europe and the Open Government Partnership
Supported by the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, this event gathered over 90 participants, including EU Member States representatives, regulators, and civil society groups. Discussions focused on implementing the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Highlights:
- Workshops led by CDT Europe’s DSA Civil Society Coordination Group.
- Recommendations for stakeholder cooperation.
- Emphasis on equitable participation for civil society.
A clear, formal mechanism for consultation and cooperation is essential for effective DSA implementation and enforcement.
Human Rights and Digital Regulations Symposium
Event Date: 19 March
Co-hosted by: CDT Europe and Future for Free Speech
This symposium explored the impact of the AI Act and DSA on human rights.
Key Sessions:
- AI Act Panel: Discussed civil society’s key requests and the Act’s obligations.
- DSA Panel: Focused on free expression and the regulation’s implementation.
Watch the full event on Future for Free Speech’s website.
Shaping General-Purpose AI Regulations
Workshop Date: 24 April
Co-organized by: Ada Lovelace Institute and SaferAI
This workshop highlighted the process for developing industry standards for general-purpose AI models under the AI Act.
Concerns Raised:
- Limited civil society involvement.
- Potential disproportionate influence from the private sector.
- Need for a “shadow” version of the codes of practice from civil society.
Regulating Spyware Technologies
The recent Pegasus spyware revelations have renewed focus on the need for stringent spyware regulations. CDT Europe’s Silvia Lorenzo Perez spoke on this issue at the European Cyber Agora.
Key Points:
- The need for precise legal definitions.
- Holding governments accountable for spyware misuse.
- Ensuring civil society involvement in regulatory processes.
CDT Europe remains committed to monitoring these developments.
