Henna Virkkunen, the new European Commissioner for Digital Affairs, adopts a conciliatory approach towards tech giants, emphasizing equal treatment for all online platforms. She aims to enforce compliance with regulations while addressing concerns about misinformation on platforms like X and TikTok. Virkkunen plans to introduce future digital infrastructure regulations by 2025, promote innovation through AI resources for startups, and advocate for regulatory simplification to enhance competitiveness and investment in Europe’s digital landscape.
A New Approach to Digital Regulation
In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Henna Virkkunen, the newly appointed European Commissioner for Digital Affairs, adopts a calming tone, emphasizing her intention to avoid conflict with tech giants like Elon Musk. This marks a notable shift from her predecessor, Thierry Breton, who engaged in a heated exchange with Musk, the influential head of the social media platform X, over compliance with European digital service regulations.
Last August, Breton reminded Musk of his responsibilities under the Digital Services Act (DSA), prompting a sharp and rude response from Musk on social media. Following Breton’s departure, Musk even sarcastically wished him “Bon voyage,” highlighting the tensions that had emerged.
Equal Treatment for All Platforms
Virkkunen aims to maintain a neutral stance, stating that all online platforms will be held to the same standards. “Online platforms will be treated equally because everyone must follow our rules,” she asserted upon taking office on December 1. This approach signifies a commitment to fairness in the digital landscape.
The European Commission had previously initiated actions against X for spreading illegal content and failing to adequately combat misinformation, particularly concerning the controversial blue badge verification system. However, Virkkunen clarified that X is not the sole focus; recent inquiries have also been directed at TikTok, which is under suspicion for its potential involvement in Russian interference during Romanian elections.
Virkkunen’s responsibilities extend beyond social media. As the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, she oversees a wide-ranging agenda that includes technological sovereignty, security, and advancements in digital technologies. She has pledged to bolster the EU’s digital independence and enhance the safety of critical digital infrastructures while fostering competitiveness.
In the telecommunications arena, Virkkunen is set to unveil future regulations governing digital infrastructures by 2025. The upcoming Digital Networks Act (DNA), which was initiated by her predecessor, aims to facilitate the rollout of high-capacity networks and the emergence of 6G technology. Additionally, she expressed a desire to create a “Quantum Act” to support the development of a European quantum sector.
Regarding artificial intelligence, Virkkunen envisions the establishment of “AI factories,” which will provide European startups and SMEs with the computational resources essential for their growth and innovation.
Lastly, Virkkunen emphasized the need for administrative simplification and a reduction in bureaucracy, echoing sentiments from Stéphane Séjourné, the Commissioner responsible for industry and SMEs. Séjourné has called for a simplification shock to European regulations, advocating for a reduction in the number of telecom operators in Europe to enhance market competitiveness and investment in infrastructure.
In summary, Henna Virkkunen’s approach as the new Digital Affairs Commissioner reflects a commitment to equitable treatment of digital platforms, regulatory simplification, and the promotion of innovation across various sectors, all while ensuring a strong stance on compliance with EU standards.