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Decoding Policy Insights: How AI Legalese Decoder Illuminates Tech Commissioner-Designate Virkkunen’s Concerns as an MEP

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EU Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen’s Growing Interest in Digital Legislation

Overview of Henna Virkkunen’s Political Career

Data highlights that Henna Virkkunen, the incoming EU tech commissioner, has demonstrated a significant and increasing interest in digital legislation, particularly concerning audiovisual laws. This interest developed over her impressive ten-year tenure as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). Her commitment was further solidified when she was recently elected for her third term in June and subsequently nominated by the Finnish government for the EU commissioner role in early July.

Euronews conducted an analysis of her primary focus areas during her time on the Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy (ITRE). Since 2014, the records of her written and oral questions to the Commission reveal a marked growth in her engagement with topics related to both audiovisual sectors and small to medium enterprises (SMEs). This focus not only signifies her individual dedication but also reflects a broader EU strategy towards boosting tech innovation and protecting digital markets.

Increased Engagement with Audiovisual Legislation

In her second term, spanning from 2019 to 2024, Virkkunen has been more proactive with her inquiries than in her first term. She submitted a total of 76 written questions, with approximately 15 of them focusing on technological and industrial issues. Additionally, she posed six oral questions, one of which directly addressed technology. In contrast, during her initial mandate from 2014 to 2019, she submitted 40 written questions, of which only seven pertained to technology. Notably, she requested eight oral questions during her first term, focusing on consumer rights and digital services.

The topics discussed in her early term were more generalized, encompassing a variety of important issues including consumer protection, VAT on digital books, and online sales. One of her pertinent inquiries revolved around promoting access to data to facilitate innovation. She also examined whether the Commission intended to amend liability regulations for better alignment across Europe.

With the onset of her second term, her questions have progressively focused on specific areas, including intellectual property and audiovisual laws. Moreover, certain inquiries addressed the interests of SMEs and energy efficiency within the information technology sector. Her inquiries concerning the audiovisual realm interconnected with the Digital Services Act (DSA), where she argued that the film and audiovisual industries were suffering significant losses due to widespread illegal use of copyrighted material, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advocacy for a Thriving Audiovisual Sector

In a noteworthy statement made in 2021, Virkkunen highlighted the critical state of the audiovisual sector, urging the Commission to ensure that necessary protections were in place against copyright infringements within the DSA, voicing concerns about “liability privileges." Furthermore, she inquired about the potential support for the recovery of the audiovisual sector, requesting insight into how the Commission would guarantee full territorial exclusivity and commercial freedom for content creators.

Her probing questions also explored whether the Commission planned to integrate streaming platforms that possess competitive advantages into a common media data ecosystem, underscoring her proactive approach in navigating complex issues surrounding digital media.

Focus on Digital Networks Act and Investment in Communication Infrastructure

Last November, Virkkunen sought clarity regarding the much-discussed Digital Networks Act, which aims to revamp EU telecom regulations planned for release next year. She emphasized the necessity for regulatory frameworks to spur investment in the sector, stating, “Ambitious, quantitative targets must be set to reduce the amount of unnecessary regulation, and these should be actively monitored.” She also pressed the Commission to consider eliminating redundant regulatory frameworks affecting electronic communications during its current term.

As a rapporteur, Virkkunen was responsible for creating the Parliament’s position regarding online platforms and digital single market legislation back in 2018. Additionally, as a shadow rapporteur, she played a vital role in shaping another report related to the digital single market between 2014 and 2019, as well as submitting opinions on the Horizon Europe tech and innovation funding program.

Throughout her second term she continued to demonstrate her commitment to cybersecurity, drafting a comprehensive report concerning the cybersecurity of EU institutions. Further illustrating her expertise in the realm of information security, she authored reports and opinions specifically focused on cybersecurity requirements for products and the Digital Services Act.

Conclusion: Preparing for Legislative Challenges

As Virkkunen gears up for a series of evaluations and discussions within Parliament regarding her proposals, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined key tasks she must undertake — which include promoting AI innovation, advancing the Digital Networks Act, and bolstering cybersecurity measures. In July, Virkkunen expressed through a post on X her vision for sustainable growth as her foremost priority, encompassing targeted efforts in reducing bureaucracy, promoting entrepreneurship among SMEs, and facilitating the green transition, in addition to R&D funding and digital investments.

For individuals and organizations navigating the complexities of digital law, AI legalese decoder can serve as a valuable tool in understanding intricate legal texts and regulations that impact the tech landscape, including those related to audiovisual rights and digital services. By simplifying legal jargon and providing digestible insights, AI legalese decoder can help stakeholders make informed decisions, advocate for necessary reforms, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations introduced by leaders like Virkkunen.

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