On 20 March, the ALDE Party hosted its 4th Digital Working Group focusing on the next steps for the Digital Single Market and especially on the issue of platform responsibility. European Commisioner for Digital Single Market Andrus Ansip gave a keynote speech on current and foreseen Digital Single Market initiatives and the Commission’s work to boost innovation and access to digital content and services all over Europe.

The Working Group was moderated by ALDE Party Vice President Angelika Mlinar MEP and brought together ALDE policy-makers and various stakeholders to discuss policy priorities and initiatives in the digital sector.

The Working Group discussed how to support new technologies and business models while providing a level playing field on markets and protecting individuals' rights. New innovations and Artificial Intelligence are being employed in several different industries and both in the private and public sector and carry great potential.

At the same time, the Working Group agreed that social and ethical aspects need to be considered. The participants also discussed the issue of platform liability and tackling illegal content online, and how to strike a balance between protecting consumers and setting effective rules while creating a sustainable business environment and not overregulating the digital sector. The European Commission has recently released a communication followed by a recommendation on platform responsibility, which also sets out legal definitions. The next step will be increasing harmonisation on European level.

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Furthermore, the Working Group discussed business-to-business relations and data sharing in the online platform environment, and how new initiatives can help bring transparency and fair practices, but also how business can adapt to new rules and demands on both EU, national and local levels.

The Working Group agreed on the need to continue efforts on finding solutions for the Digital Single Market negotiations and to work on upcoming proposals together, to ensure that European digital policy stays up-to-date, effective and competitive in the modern world.

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