The Centre for Democracy & Technology Europe (CDT Europe) has released its July 2024 Tech Policy Brief, addressing significant technology and internet policy issues in Europe, the U.S., and globally. This edition highlights CDT's perspectives on digital rights impacts and provides updates on various initiatives.
Asha Allen has been appointed as the new Secretary General and Director of CDT Europe. Previously serving as Deputy Director and Programme Director for Online Expression and Civic Space, Allen is recognized for her extensive experience in human rights and digital policy. She led CDT’s engagement on the Digital Services Act and European Democracy Action Plan over the past three years.
Peter Hustinx, former European Data Protection Supervisor and chair of CDT Europe’s Board of Directors, commented, “At a crucial moment for the future of technology and human rights, I am delighted that Asha will lead CDT Europe’s important work.” Alexandra Reeve Givens, President and CEO of CDT Global, added, “Asha is an experienced and strategic advocate who has played a leading role in strengthening civil society voices in EU policy debates.”
In June, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union made efforts to finalize the Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) Regulation before their term ended. The proposed regulation categorizes services based on risk levels but includes end-to-end encrypted services within its scope. CDT Europe raised concerns about inconsistencies with EU law regarding content detection orders.
Due to overwhelming criticism from privacy advocates including Edward Snowden, the Belgian presidency suspended the vote. The Hungarian Presidency intends to revisit this issue by December 2024. CDT Europe continues to monitor negotiations to ensure fundamental rights are respected online.
In other developments, Ukraine and Moldova have begun accession negotiations with the EU, necessitating alignment with EU laws like the Digital Services Act (DSA). In light of this, CDT Europe hosted study groups with representatives from Georgia, Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine to discuss digital regulation complexities.
Policy Officer David Klotsonis presented CDT Europe's mission during these sessions. Additionally, CDT attended a multistakeholder event organized by Global Network Initiative and Digital Trust and Safety Partnership focusing on DSA's risk assessment provisions.
Ahead of publishing the Artificial Intelligence Act in July 2024 with enforcement starting in August 2024, CDT held a workshop discussing fundamental rights in AI implementation. Facilitated by Laura Lazaro Cabrera from CDT Europe’s Equity and Data program, participants discussed lessons learned from AI Act negotiations.
Laura also participated in an event discussing legal implications of AI for local authorities under Living-in.EU initiative. She emphasized obligations for high-risk AI systems deployment including conducting fundamental rights impact assessments.
Recommended readings include interviews with Signal President Meredith Whittaker on encryption regulation published by The Guardian; an article on governing digital platforms' human rights implications; MLex journalist Luca Bertuzzi’s analysis of AI Liability Directive; among others.
