On 26 November, the European Commission presented its idea of a digital environment

This translates into a draft of digital rights and principles for policy makers and companies when dealing with new technologies and the online world.

The proposal aims at protecting people’s rights and privacy as well as democracy and security through key principles based on a human-centred approach: transparency, the support for solidarity and inclusion, the respect of freedom of choice and the empowerment of the individuals. It also aims at fostering the participation in the digital space and promote digital education while ensuring the sustainability of the digital future.

The proposal complements different proposals for Europe’s digital transformation by 2030 such as the Digital Compass, the Artificial Intelligence Act, the Digital Services Act, the GDPR and cybersecurity initiatives, among others.

What it means for liberals

As liberals, we are convinced that the future is digital and that a series of principles to protect human rights both online and offline are needed. To harness the full potential of innovative technologies, everyone should have equal access to the new technologies and the digital world. Issues such as cyber security, data protection and privacy need to be addressed – these are the base of a digital society. Therefore, the overall proposal and objectives are fully in line with ALDE Party’s policy for digital innovation.

What’s next

The proposal will now go through the European Parliament and Council of Ministers.

In the ALDE Party context, some of the key issues that have been proposed will be part of the discussions held at the ALDE Party Advisory Group on Jobs, Growth and Innovation in a digitalised economy.