#66: The EU's Tech Tangle - Are Regulations Holding Us Back?

In this episode, amazing hosts Milla Keller and Floora Kukorelli sit down with Jussi Mäkinen to discuss the (bright?) future of EU technology regulation. Jussi Mäkinen leads the EU regulatory team at the Federation of Finnish Technology Industries and has extensive experience in digital regulation, both in drafting policies and advocating for industry interests.

The discussion revolves around the so-called Draghi Report, in which the former European Central Bank President and Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi warns that the EU is falling behind the US and China in the use of data and digital services. The report suggests that Europe’s declining competitiveness is partly due to its stringent data (protection) regulations. The conversation explores whether the Draghi Report marks a turning point in EU data protection policies and what it might mean for the future.

The episode also looks at the role of the incoming European Commission in shaping future technology regulations, with special attention to Commissioner Henna Virkkunen from Finland, who oversees areas like technology and competitiveness. The discussion examines her approach and the potential impact it could have on EU tech regulation.

Additionally, the episode delves into the future of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the fate of the ePrivacy Regulation. Our guest believes that a more practical approach to privacy is needed moving forward, with the EU striking a better balance between protecting privacy and fostering innovation - the million dollar question is, where this balance lies.

This episode provides an engaging and timely look at the current state and future prospects of EU technology regulation for anyone interested in the digital economy and EU policymaking.

Did you enjoy our show? Support us by buying us a coffee here: https://bmc.link/privacypod4u

We would love to get feedback – so please tag us, follow us, DM us, or send us traditional email:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodPrivacy, #privacypod

Instagram: @privacypod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tietosuojapod/about/

Email: tietosuojapod@protonmail.com