As 2023 draws to a close, it is evident that this year has been highly significant for EU technology policy. From the groundbreaking AI Act to crucial regulatory changes for digital platforms, 2023 has been a period of significant evolution and development in the tech industry. Let us explore in depth the key events that have shaped Europe’s technology landscape in 2023.
The Impact of the AI Act
One of the most important pieces of legislation to influence the EU technology policy landscape in 2023 has been the AI Act. This landmark bill aims to regulate Artificial Intelligence based on its potential to cause harm. EU legislators faced a multitude of considerations, from defining the scope of this emerging technology to regulating foundation models. After a series of rigorous discussions and negotiations, EU policymakers reached a political agreement on the AI Act, marking a significant milestone in global AI regulation. Our editor, Luca Bertuzzi, has extensively covered this process and has received widespread acclaim.
The Reach of AI
The impact of AI in 2023 extended beyond the AI Act itself. In May, the European Commission issued internal guidelines for the use of online generative AI models, addressing their limitations and risks. This move was in response to the growing prominence of AI-based tools such as ChatGPT and prompted reactions from various EU agencies to ensure compliance with privacy rules and guard against potential misuse of generative AI.
Shifting Industrial Policy
France and Germany’s industrial policies took divergent paths in 2023, particularly in the cloud sector. While France made strides in setting up a new semiconductor factory, emphasizing the importance of reducing supply chain dependencies, Germany pursued digital sovereignty in the cloud sector by endorsing AWS’s European Sovereign Cloud, which sparked concerns from French policymakers. These contrasting approaches highlight the evolving dynamics of industrial policies within the EU in the realm of technology.
Implications for Digital Platforms
The year also saw significant developments in the regulation of digital platforms. From the suspension of TikTok on Commission devices citing data protection concerns to Meta’s transition to a ‘legitimate interest’ legal basis in response to regulatory sanctions, the actions of EU institutions and tech giants have shaped the landscape of digital platforms in 2023. These developments have raised important questions regarding user privacy, data protection, and the future of behavioural advertising models.
As we reflect on the events that have unfolded in 2023, it is clear that this has been a landmark year for technology in Europe. The EU’s focus on regulating AI, the evolution of industrial policies, and the shifting dynamics of digital platforms have set the stage for continued advancements and challenges in the tech industry. The year’s developments underscore the critical intersection of technology, policy, and societal impact, positioning 2023 as a pivotal moment for Europe’s technological evolution.
Luca Bertuzzi/Nathalie Weatherald
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