European Association for Digital Transition, Author at Dialogues on European Digital Transition

The ‘shadow value of personal data’: What value does something apparently “free” have for the consumer?

European Association for Digital Transition Economic future March 17, 2021June 9, 2021Consumers, Digital Services Act, Facebook, Google

Various events are being held this week to celebrate World Consumer Rights Day, a day in which civil society and regulators defend the rights of citizens-consumers. This year, the date takes on a special relevance. This is because it is being held in the midst of major discussions within the European institutions that are designing one of the most important regulatory frameworks for the coming years, that is, the ‘Digital Acts’ regulatory package: DSA, DMA, and DGA.

World Consumer Rights Day: Do big tech companies respect yours?

European Association for Digital Transition Rights and freedom March 15, 2021June 9, 2021Apple, Consumers, Data Protection, Digital rights, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Privacy

March 15 marks World Consumer Rights Day, a commemoration established by the United Nations in 1983. The choice of March 15 comes from a speech delivered on that day in 1962 by John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Speaking at the United States Congress, the then U.S. president defined the consumer as an essential element in the production process, recognising their political relevance and urging institutions to protect their rights.

The future of work, according to Uber

European Association for Digital Transition Economic future March 12, 2021June 9, 2021Labor Relations, Uber

For years we have been witness to a range of debates, formulations, and written proposals on the future of work. The impact of digitalization and technological change sparks many of these debates, as do trends that have long existed as a result of changes in how the workforce is composed, business models, and, ultimately, the process of globalisation that accelerated at the end of the last century.

Big tech lobbying in Brussels: A lot of money. Too much influence?

European Association for Digital Transition Democratic quality March 4, 2021June 9, 2021Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Lobbying, Microsoft

It’s no surprise the Silicon Valley tech giants are paying close attention to regulatory activity in the European Union. As of March 2015, when then-Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker announced the Digital Single Market, Europe has been setting a distinct profile in its conception of digitalization, a profile that is increasingly uncomfortable for the so-called Big Five or GAFAM – Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft. Some of the issues the Commission is prioritising through the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act are potentially very dangerous for the business model of companies like Google and Facebook. And we’re talking about a market of more than 450 million people.

Don’t say marketplace, say Amazon

European Association for Digital Transition Economic future February 26, 2021June 9, 2021Alibaba, Amazon, Competition, European Commission

A recent report by analysis firm Credit Suisse predicted that Inditex, the Spanish multinational that owns the Zara brand, would end up selling its garments on Zalando, a German marketplace. The report foresaw that the same would happen with another important European textile giant, H&M. It would be, according to Credit Suisse, not only a logical step but also a necessary one in the face of how rapidly physical commerce is evolving, which is in a sharp decline that has been accelerated by the pandemic.

Data Governance Act: Europe moves towards a sovereign data market

European Association for Digital Transition Economic future February 11, 2021June 9, 2021Data Economy, Data Protection, European Commission, Thierry Breton

The Data Governance Act being prepared by the European Commission is a key element in creating a single data market aligned with European Union values and principles. It’s obvious the EU starts with a disadvantage in this area, but the technological developments still to come, in which the roll out of 5G and the Internet of Things will play a key role, make it clear there is still a long way to go, especially in the industrial field.

Data Protection Day: a date that shouldn’t go unnoticed

European Association for Digital Transition Rights and freedom January 27, 2021June 9, 2021Data Protection, Digital rights, European Council, Privacy

On Thursday, January 28, Data Protection Day is once again being celebrated. The first edition was held in 2007, after the Council of Europe had decided a few months earlier to set the date.

Why this day? On January 28, 1981, the Council of Europe signed Convention 108 in Strasbourg for the protection of personal data in its automated processing. It was the first legally binding international instrument for data protection, and for more than 30 years an important legal reference, in Europe and beyond. Today, Data Protection Day is celebrated all over the globe, and outside our continent is known as Privacy Day.

Our opinion on the Spanish government’s Digital Rights Charter

European Association for Digital Transition Rights and freedom January 26, 2021June 9, 2021Data Protection, Digital rights, Privacy, Spain

How to incorporate the current rights framework into the digital environment? And how to protect these rights in this area? The Spanish Ministry of Economic Affairs attempts to answer these two questions in what has been titled the Digital Rights Charter, which it presents as part of its ‘España Digital 2025’ plan. This is a document whose purpose is to guide future policy decisions and actions by public authorities.

‘Save your zone’, one more step in defence of European sovereignty

European Association for Digital Transition Economic future January 21, 2021June 9, 2021Amazon, Digital Services Act, Local business, saveyourzone

The ‘Save your zone’ campaign has seen significant development institutionally. During November and December, the EADT sent hundreds of letters explaining its position to the mayors of the main cities in Spain, Italy, France and Germany, as well as to dozens of trade associations, employers and unions.

It’s not just business, it’s the future of European sovereignty

European Association for Digital Transition Economic future January 18, 2021June 9, 2021Digital sovereignty, Local business, saveyourzone

Surely the scene is familiar to you. To give a gift, the discounts or just in daily life, we turn to e-commerce, so comfortable and tempting in these strange times when crowds make us feel apprehensive. And once we decide to buy ‘online’, the most reliable alternative is Amazon, with its huge offer, competitive prices and, above all, its efficient delivery system.