Newsletter October

Over a hundred companies sign EU AI Pact pledges to drive trustworthy and safe AI development
The European Commission has launched the EU artificial intelligence (AI) Pact, with over a hundred companies from various sectors, including IT, healthcare, and automotive, committing to voluntary pledges. These companies, ranging from multinational corporations to European SMEs, agree to begin implementing the AI Act’s principles before it officially takes effect. The core commitments of the AI Pact include developing an AI governance strategy, mapping high-risk AI systems, and promoting AI literacy among employees. Over half of the signatories also committed to additional measures such as ensuring human oversight, mitigating risks, and transparently labeling AI-generated content like deepfakes. Companies can join the AI Pact and make these commitments at any time until the AI Act is fully applicable.

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New rules to boost cybersecurity of EU’s critical entities and networks

The European Commission has adopted an implementing regulation under the NIS2 Directive to enhance the cybersecurity resilience of Europe’s critical digital infrastructure. This regulation specifies risk management measures and criteria for reporting significant incidents for various digital service providers, including cloud computing, data centers, online marketplaces, search engines, and social networking platforms. It defines what constitutes a significant incident, the authorities to whom these should be reported, and the reporting timelines. This regulation aligns with the deadline for EU Member States to incorporate the NIS2 Directive into national law by 18 October 2024, mandating compliance with these cybersecurity measures.

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The European Digital Media Observatory launches Media Literacy Guidelines

The European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) has developed comprehensive Guidelines for Media Literacy initiatives with contributions from its national hubs and over 100 experts globally. These Guidelines aim to bolster societal resilience against disinformation by enhancing the effectiveness of media literacy projects across Europe. They are intended for use by a diverse group of stakeholders including educators, policymakers, and those in the media and tech industries. The Guidelines offer practical advice on developing, delivering, and reviewing media literacy initiatives, tailored to various focuses such as misinformation, news literacy, digital literacy, and understanding algorithms. Endorsed by over 60 organizations, the Guidelines advocate for inclusivity, transparency, adaptability, and ethical considerations in media literacy efforts. They are structured around 12 principles across three stages of project implementation: development, delivery, and review.

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Commission proposes digital passports and ID cards for easier travel

The European Commission has proposed the digitalization of passports and identity cards to expedite and secure border control processes for the nearly 600 million annual crossings at the EU’s external borders. The initiative includes the development of a common framework for digital travel credentials and the launch of an ‘EU Digital Travel’ app, where travelers can voluntarily store a digital version of their passport or ID card data, excluding fingerprints. This digital approach aims to enhance security by reducing document fraud, streamline border checks by allowing pre-travel submissions, and decrease administrative burdens by potentially extending digital IDs for other registrations. The proposal now awaits approval from the EU Council and Parliament, with plans to develop the app and associated technical standards upon adoption.

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