The summer break will be short for the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communication Networks, Content and Technology (DG Connect) since new initiatives are planned for September in the field of cybersecurity, platforms and data circulation.
In September, the European Commission will unveil a series of measures to promote a reliable cybersystem in an increasingly connected world. They will take a three-pronged approach: (1) updating the EU’s 2013 strategy in order to target new risks (a 100% rise in hijacking attacks), improving security in the EU and the member states and boosting the confidence of companies and individuals; (2) revising the mandate and work of the European agency responsible for network and information security (ENISA) in light of its new role under Directive 2016/1148 on network security (NIS); (3) measures relating to rules, certification and labelling of connected products to provide better information for users.
The Commission will then publish initiatives to tackle illicit content online. It will publish guidelines clarifying the idea of ‘notification and withdrawal’ under the e-commerce directive (2000/31/EC) foreseeing that once informed about illegal facts or information, a service supplier must act promptly to withdraw the information or make access to it impossible. The Commission will also publish guidelines on responsibility and support platforms taking voluntary measures when they discover illegal content and withdraw it in good faith. By the end of the year, targeted action will be unveiled on contractual clauses and unfair trade practices relating to business platforms.
Finally, in November, the Commission will unveil draft legislation opposing unjustified location requirements for data and the possibility for companies to switch their cloud service soppier (cloud switch). Moreover, it will deal next year with sensitive emerging issues such as liability for damaged caused by a connected object and data ownership. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)