Europe’s privacy patrol is spoiling Big Tech’s AI party

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: EU privacy regulators, led by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), are clashing with Big Tech over AI projects due to concerns about data use under GDPR rules
• Major companies like Meta, Google, and LinkedIn have delayed AI rollouts in the EU as they face increased scrutiny over how personal data is being used to train AI models

🔭 The context: The DPC, once criticized for being slow to act, is now taking a tougher stance under new leadership, particularly regarding AI’s reliance on personal data
• This has led to tensions between tech firms and regulators, with Big Tech lobbying for lighter regulations to avoid stalling innovation

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Strong enforcement of data privacy laws could set global standards for responsible AI development, balancing technological advancement with fundamental rights

⏭️ What's next: The EU’s European Data Protection Board is expected to issue a binding opinion on AI data use by December 2024, potentially shaping the future of AI regulations across Europe

💬 One quote: "GDPR is there to steer innovation in the right direction. If it doesn't respect people’s fundamental rights, you don’t have good innovation," said Tobias Judin, a Norwegian data expert

📈 One stat: Big Tech estimates the EU could add up to €1.4 trillion to its GDP over the next decade with a more "pro-innovation" regulatory framework

Click for more news covering the latest on green tech