Deepfake videos depicting fictitious members of the Le Pen family surfaced online, stirring controversy as France’s far-right parties gear up for the upcoming EU elections. These videos, featuring fabricated personas engaging in provocative behaviour and promoting far-right agendas, spread rapidly on platforms like TikTok.
Despite efforts to delete some of these accounts, the videos garnered millions of views before being flagged. The Le Pen family expressed discontent, while the ‘Reconquête!’ party, one of the implicated groups, reported the content to TikTok. Ironically, politicians who opposed such measures earlier over concerns about ‘authoritarian measures’ now find themselves at odds with the consequences.
Despite delays in France’s implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which suggests a gap in addressing the spread of deepfakes, companies are bound by the DSA through direct EU application. Nevertheless, concerns over the integrity of elections persist, with platforms and policymakers striving to combat deceptive AI use.
Why does it matter?
The need to combat deepfakes has become increasingly apparent in light of recent events, notably the dissemination of a manipulated audio clip depicting a political figure confessing to election manipulation in Slovakia. Despite the 17 February 2024 deadline, many EU countries, including France, need to catch up in establishing key administrative bodies to address this issue. These bodies are tasked to designate ‘trusted flaggers’, organisations that play a vital role in identifying and flagging deceptive content to platforms.
European Union leaders convened to address growing concerns regarding suspected Russian interference across the bloc in the forthcoming June elections. As Brussels escalates its warnings about disinformation campaigns, the EU leaders are deliberating on the potential imposition of sanctions targeting Moscow’s activities. Allegations of the EU lawmakers receiving payments to disseminate Kremlin propaganda have intensified the urgency for decisive action.
The EU leaders have pledged to closely monitor and mitigate risks of foreign interference in electoral processes. The commitment includes the establishment of a joint task force to monitor developments and coordinate with national authorities. However, Russia-friendly leaders such as Hungary’s Viktor Orban and Slovakia’s Robert Fico signalled a slim likelihood of the EU leaders taking more assertive actions before the elections.
Why does it matter?
Identified Russian disinformation tactics by the EU officials involve blending facts with false narratives to sow confusion among readers. Sanctions have been imposed on entities spreading Russian propaganda early this year. At the same time, the EU lawmakers under suspicion face scrutiny amid ongoing investigations into foreign influence, with calls for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the European Anti-Fraud Office to intervene against political meddling.
Apple is rolling out a significant change in its approach to distributing iOS apps in the EU. Starting Tuesday, developers will be able to offer apps for direct download from their websites. This move breaks from Apple’s traditional walled garden model and responds to new EU regulations to foster competition and consumer protection in digital markets.
Under these changes, developers meeting Apple’s criteria, including notarization requirements, can distribute iPhone apps directly to the EU users. However, this comes with new terms, including a ‘core technology fee’ of €0.50 for each first annual install over 1 million, regardless of distribution location.
The company has also made other adjustments in compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), such as allowing marketplace apps where developers can run their own app stores on iOS and offering greater flexibility in in-app payments. However, Apple maintains its stance on security risks associated with sideloading apps, emphasising safety measures in the new distribution process.
While this shift opens up new avenues for developers to reach users in the EU, its adoption remains to be determined. Apple acknowledges some interest from developers but emphasises that it’s a new capability, and the extent of its adoption is yet to be seen. This move adds to the evolving landscape of app distribution options in the EU alongside the existing App Store distribution and marketplace app submissions.
National cybersecurity experts have postponed a vote on a proposed EU cybersecurity label until May, according to sources familiar with the matter. The EU aims to implement a cybersecurity certification scheme (EUCS) to ensure the security of cloud services, aiding governments and businesses in selecting trustworthy vendors. This delay allows tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft to continue bidding for sensitive EU cloud computing contracts.
Disagreements have arisen over whether strict requirements should be imposed on major tech companies to qualify for the highest level of the EU cybersecurity label. These disagreements have stalled progress despite recent discussions among experts in Brussels. Holding the rotating EU presidency, Belgium has made adjustments to the draft, reflecting ongoing deliberations.
The most recent version of the draft has eliminated sovereignty requirements that previously mandated US tech giants to collaborate with EU-based companies to handle customer data in the bloc. While major tech firms have welcomed this change, it has drawn criticism from EU-based cloud vendors and businesses like Deutsche Telekom, Orange, and Airbus. They argue that removing these requirements poses a risk of unauthorised data access by non-EU governments under their respective laws.
Following the experts’ postponed vote, the next phase involves the EU countries providing input, with the European Commission making the final decision. The outcome of these discussions will significantly impact the landscape of cybersecurity regulations and the involvement of major tech players in the EU’s cloud computing sector.
A significant shift in oversight may be on the horizon for the popular Chinese e-commerce platform Temu as it discloses its monthly European user base of 75 million. Temu, an extension of China’s Pinduoduo, has attracted attention for its privacy and cybersecurity practices, facing recent scrutiny in Germany for alleged consumer misrepresentation. Although Temu was already subject to specific Digital Services Act (DSA) regulations, its newly declared scale could trigger more stringent obligations under European Commission supervision.
Online platforms exceeding 45 million users within the EU must undergo external audits and risk assessments, evaluating their efforts to combat illegal content like counterfeit goods or hazardous products. Violations could lead to fines amounting to 6% of their global turnover. The European Commission is tasked with formally designating such major online platforms, providing four months for companies to prepare for intensified regulations. When queried about Temu’s potential designation, the Commission remained non-committal but acknowledged engagement with the platform.
Meanwhile, the European Commission is gearing up to designate Shein, a Chinese fashion platform boasting over 108 million European users, further signalling the EU’s intent to assert regulatory oversight over large-scale digital platforms. The move underscores the EU’s commitment to enforcing stricter content moderation rules and consumer protection measures within the digital sphere, particularly in response to the expansive reach and influence of major online platforms like Temu and Shein.
The EU regulators are swiftly moving to conclude a preliminary investigation into Microsoft’s relationship with OpenAI, according to Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s antitrust chief. The probe, initiated in January, aims to determine whether Microsoft’s substantial investment of $13 billion into OpenAI should undergo scrutiny under the EU merger regulations. Vestager indicated in an interview with Bloomberg TV that a resolution is forthcoming, highlighting ongoing discussions with other regulatory authorities.
Vestager emphasised that the EU authorities closely monitor Microsoft’s investments and the broader trend of large tech companies investing in AI. The scrutiny extends beyond Microsoft to include other significant AI investments from major tech firms like Google, Amazon, and Nvidia. The EU mainly ensures competitiveness and prevents anti-competitive practices in this rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Microsoft’s involvement with OpenAI represents a significant stake, with the tech giant investing in other AI ventures, such as French startup Mistral and acquiring the team from Inflection AI. This investment landscape extends to other major players like Google and Amazon, which have their stakes in AI ventures. Vestager stressed the importance of vigilance in this emerging field, characterising it as a critical area for regulatory oversight to safeguard competition and innovation in the AI sector.
Independent browser companies within the EU are reporting significant increases in user numbers following the implementation of new EU legislation to foster fair competition among tech giants. The Digital Markets Act (DMA), effective on 7 March, requires major players like Google, Microsoft, and Apple to present mobile users with a ‘choice screen’ where they can opt for alternative web browsers. Before this regulation, default browsers like Chrome for Android and Safari for iPhones dominated the market, providing free services in exchange for user tracking and targeted advertising.
Since the new rules came into effect, companies like Cyprus-based Aloha Browser have experienced a 250% surge in the EU users. Aloha, known for its privacy-focused approach, has seen its EU market ranking rise from fourth to second place. Similarly, other companies like Vivaldi from Norway, Ecosia from Germany, and Brave from the US have also noted increased user numbers following the regulatory changes. DuckDuckGo and Opera, with substantial global user bases, are also witnessing growth within the EU due to the choice screen.
Why does it matter?
Under the DMA, mobile device manufacturers are required to present users with a selection of browsers, search engines, and virtual assistants during device setup. Apple, for instance, now displays up to 11 browser options alongside Safari in the choice screens tailored for each EU country, updating them annually. However, companies like Mozilla have criticised the rollout as slow and clunky, hindering the migration of users to alternative browsers. The European Commission has initiated an investigation into Apple’s compliance with the new rules, particularly focusing on whether users have genuine freedom to choose alternative services beyond defaults like Safari.
Following a recent Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting, the US and the EU have announced significant progress in aligning technical standards for digital identity. A joint statement released after the meeting outlines plans to identify use cases for transatlantic interoperability and cooperation, paving the way for cross-border digital identity and wallet usage.
This collaboration, which aims to harmonize technology and trade policies, has already yielded tangible results, such as the Digital Identity Mapping Exercise Report, which covers standards for electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions.
Despite some differences, notably in trust services, both sides are committed to continued information exchange through mechanisms like the Strategic Standardisation Information (SSI).
Why does it matter?
The EU and US share the world’s most integrated economic relationship, with the US remaining the EU’s largest trading partner. While the Digital Identity Mapping Report aims for shared terminology, it’s important to note that the EU member countries aren’t bound by US NIST guidance, and vice versa; harmonizing frameworks between them could streamline cross-border trade and promote secure transatlantic online access.
The EU political parties are set to sign a new code of conduct on Tuesday, 9 April 2024, to safeguard the upcoming EU elections from foreign interference and disinformation. The initiative, brokered by the European Commission, is part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
The code of conduct, overseen by Vice-President Věra Jourová, focuses on preventing the amplification of narratives led by non-EU entities that seek to undermine European values. Parties across the political spectrum, including left, socialists, centre-right, liberals, conservatives, greens, and far-right groups, are committing to proactive measures against spreading misinformation. They pledge to ensure transparency by labelling AI-generated content and not disseminating unfounded accusations or deceptive materials targeting other parties. Although this adds an extra layer of protection to the electoral campaign, the responsibility for implementation and monitoring falls on the European parties rather than national parties conducting the campaign on the ground.
Despite these commitments, the code of conduct lacks independent oversight and enforcement mechanisms instead of relying on the parties to promote compliance among their members and conduct post-election reviews. Commission Vice-President Jourová emphasised the symbolic importance of this collective commitment by European political parties to uphold the integrity of elections, urging them to adhere to ethical and fair campaigning practices in the coming months.
Why does it matter?
The agreement follows recent scandals involving European Parliament members, like Qatargate and Russiagate, and underlines the importance of defending democracy against foreign interference. While the code of conduct does not extend to national parties, it represents a significant step forward in addressing digital risks and maintaining transparency in electoral communications.
Europe’s envisioned outcomes from this collaboration include enhancing HPC applications, fostering information sharing to tackle societal challenges, facilitating researcher exchange between India and the EU, and strengthening international cooperation in HPC development. While the EU’s document lacks specifics on the path forward, India’s recent call for proposals delineates a clear roadmap. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology seeks proposals to analyse climate change, bioinformatics, and natural hazards using HPC, alongside developing integrated early warning systems for multi-hazard scenarios. Proposals are expected to outline specific application optimisation plans, development timelines, and critical performance indicators demonstrating cooperative benefits. Accepted proposals allow access to HPC facilities in India and the EU.
India’s Supercomputing Mission has commissioned 28 supercomputers, while the EU’s High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking operates nine machines with substantial computing power. Despite the progress, India and the EU still need to provide a timeframe for implementing approved proposals.
