Hi there,

I'm a media-allrounder journalist (TV, print, online and audio) and a multilingual conference moderator (English, French, German, Italian and Dutch), based in Brussels, Belgium. 

During my 20+ years in the industry, I learned the tricks of the trade from scratch, starting as a local ...

How to Take Back the Internet

01 Oct 2023  |  Green European Journal  |  English  |  Tech Monopolies

The article discusses the monopolization of the tech sector and its negative impacts on user experience, privacy, and competition. Cory Doctorow advocates for interoperability as a solution to break the dominance of major tech companies like Facebook, Google, and Apple. He criticizes the lack of effective regulation and enforcement, particularly in the EU, and highlights the need for progressive policies to promote technological self-determination. The text also touches on the challenges of regulating Big Tech and the potential for adversarial interoperability to create a more competitive digital ecosystem.

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Regulation Tech Monopolies Digital Ecosystem Interoperability

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I am a visual journalist and documentary filmmaker based in Aveiro, Portugal. * Emeritus professor in the Department of Communications, Media, Journalism & Film at Missouri State University
* Co-founder of the non-profit documentary film studio Carbon Trace Productions 501(c)(3) in Springfield, ...

Republican Primary Voters in NH Want To Restrain the Federal Government, Not American Businesses

05 Sept 2023  |  Granite Grok  |  English  |  Federal Government Regulation

A poll conducted by the Competitiveness Coalition and The Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy reveals that New Hampshire Republican primary voters prioritize economic issues such as inflation and the cost of living over breaking up large technology companies. The poll indicates strong opposition to new regulations targeting tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Google, with concerns about potential negative impacts on consumers. Additionally, there is significant support for eliminating the Interest & Dividends Tax and resistance to higher electricity costs for renewable energy conversion. The poll also shows Donald Trump leading the Republican primary race by a substantial margin.

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American Tech Companies Federal Government Regulation Republican Primary Economy Inflation

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I'm a Brazilian freelance journalist currently based in London and a scholarship holder at the Erasmus Mundus Master's program in Journalism, Media and Globalisation. Recently I have had bylines at Euronews, Climate Home News, Next City, Agência Pública, InfoAmazonia and Folha de S. Paulo, among ...

New Irish online safety code draws fire from tech association, campaigners

01 Nov 2024  |  mlexmarketinsight.com  |  English  |  Tech Regulation

Ireland's new Online Safety Code, targeting video-sharing platforms and addressing content types outside the EU's Digital Services Act, has received mixed reactions from industry and civil society organizations. The code aims to enhance online safety measures, but its reception highlights differing perspectives on its implications and effectiveness.

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Tech Regulation Online Safety Digital Services Act

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alicia gonzalez is a journalist based in Madrid, España.

The big tech companies place their hope in Trump

09 Nov 2024  |  cincodias.elpais.com  |  Spanish  |  Tech Industry

Following Donald Trump's victory in the presidential elections, major tech executives, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Tim Cook, expressed eagerness to collaborate with the new administration. This marks a shift from the tech sector's traditional Democratic alignment, driven by concerns over antitrust actions led by the Biden administration. The Republican Party's stance, potentially influenced by Musk, may offer relief to these companies facing regulatory challenges in the US and Europe. The article highlights the evolving relationship between tech giants and political power, with implications for future regulatory landscapes.

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Antitrust Regulation Tech Industry US Presidential Election

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Clothilde Goujard is a journalist based in Amman, Jordan. 

She was previously a senior tech policy reporter with POLITICO in Brussels, Belgium. 

She has also freelanced in Canada as a video journalist for Agence France-Presse (AFP) and CBC. Her work on Canadian politics, migration and the ...

Zero tolerance: Commission targets Amazon, Spotify, Apple for violating content law

04 Oct 2023  |  www.politico.eu  |  English  |  Tech Regulation

The European Commission, led by Thierry Breton, is targeting tech giants like Amazon, Spotify, and Apple for failing to fully disclose user numbers as required by the Digital Services Act (DSA). Breton emphasized the importance of transparency and compliance, warning that delaying tactics will not be tolerated. The DSA, adopted in 2022, mandates platforms to enhance content moderation, particularly against illegal and harmful material. Nearly 20 companies, including Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and Google, have been identified as very large online platforms subject to stringent regulations. The Commission will proceed with formal designations in the coming weeks.

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Tech Regulation Digital Services Act Content Moderation

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Peter Guest is a writer, editor, producer and photographer, based in Southeast Asia. His work has appeared in Nikkei Asian Review, the Atlantic, Newsweek, the Financial Times, Wired, the Guardian, the Wall Street Journal and others. He has reported from more than 40 countries across five continents,...

Sweeping New Powers Could Let the UK Block Big Tech Platforms

09 Nov 2023  |  WIRED  |  English  |  Tech Regulation

The UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, has announced its readiness to enforce the new Online Safety Act by potentially disrupting tech platforms that fail to comply. This could involve cutting off payment systems or blocking access within the UK. The act, which became law in October, aims to protect children from online abuse, combat scam advertising, and address terrorist content. Ofcom's proposals require tech companies to prevent grooming, have robust safety teams, and appoint a UK-based individual responsible for compliance. Concerns have been raised about the impact on end-to-end encryption and user privacy. The act emphasizes protecting minors from harmful content and grooming, with Ofcom citing research on the prevalence of unwanted approaches to children online. Compliance may necessitate platforms to enhance age verification processes, raising concerns about increased data collection, as highlighted by Wikipedia's potential UK access block due to its minimal data collection policy.

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Tech Regulation Online Safety Act Child Protection Privacy and Security

Erin Hale is a journalist based in Taipei.

GoFundMe freezes donations for The Grayzone, sparking free speech debate

01 Sept 2023  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Tech Regulation

GoFundMe froze a fundraising campaign for The Grayzone, a far-left news outlet, citing 'external concerns,' leading to a debate on tech companies' role in regulating speech. The Grayzone's founder, Max Blumenthal, believes the freeze was politically motivated due to their coverage of the Ukraine war. The funds were eventually refunded, and the campaign moved to Spotfund. The incident underscores ongoing tensions about free speech and misinformation, with tech companies like Facebook, Twitter, and PayPal frequently caught in the crossfire. Advocacy groups like the ACLU have criticized such actions as financial censorship.

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Tech Regulation Free Speech Misinformation

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David Jones is a journalist with 45 years of experience reporting and editing for UPI, The Washington Times and the Voice of America, focused mostly on international news. He has reported from more than 30 countries on five continents and has interviewed numerous presidents, prime ministers, ...

The Role Of Tech Diplomacy In Building Transnational Business

16 Apr 2024  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Tech Diplomacy

Tech diplomacy is becoming increasingly important for U.S. tech companies operating internationally, as it helps them navigate complex issues like supply chain disruptions, changing geopolitics, and digital regulations. By building relationships with government representatives, companies can stay informed about developments affecting their business and have a voice in regulatory matters. The role of tech diplomats, a relatively new development, is crucial in representing national interests and providing industry insights. Engaging in tech diplomacy allows companies to advocate for favorable business environments and participate in multi-stakeholder efforts to shape policy. This proactive approach can help companies better understand and influence the business environments they operate in abroad.

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Digital Regulations Tech Diplomacy Transnational Business

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Wooyoung Lee is a Seoul-based freelance journalist, covering social, political, and cultural issues with a decade of experience in reporting Korea-related stories for print and online.

KFTC chief stresses flexible approach to tech platforms amid US tariffs

19 Feb 2025  |  www.mlex.com  |  English  |  Anti-monopoly regulations

South Korea's competition authority, led by Han Ki-jeong, emphasizes a flexible regulatory approach towards dominant tech platforms to avoid potential US trade retaliation. The Korea Fair Trade Commission aims to prioritize national interests in its anti-monopoly platform regulation discussions.

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Tech platforms Anti-monopoly regulations US tariffs

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Laura Loguercio is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

The European Commission has chosen the six major digital platforms that will have to comply with very strict competition rules

06 Sept 2023  |  Il Post  |  Italian  |  Tech Regulation

European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, Thierry Breton, announced that the European Commission has designated six digital companies as 'gatekeepers' under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), subjecting them to stringent competition rules. The companies are Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, and ByteDance. The DMA aims to limit the monopoly of major digital platforms by preventing them from favoring their own services and requiring them to allow users to uninstall pre-installed apps.

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Tech Regulation Digital Markets Act

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Sarah Manavis is a journalist at the New Statesman based in London, United Kingdom.

Are governments finally pushing back against Big Tech?

01 Nov 2023  |  www.newstatesman.com  |  English  |  Government Regulation

US states have filed unprecedented lawsuits against Meta, accusing it of exploiting young users and violating privacy laws. These lawsuits mark a significant shift in government action against Big Tech, aiming to enforce stricter regulations and protect children from harmful content. The Biden administration and the Federal Trade Commission are also investigating Meta's practices, signaling a broader governmental pushback against social media giants.

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Big Tech Government Regulation Social Media

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British foreign correspondent, published by the Guardian, the Financial Times, Reuters and Vice. Specialise in current affairs, human rights, humanitarian issues, development and sustainable business.

Why the presence of a former Meta lobbyist in the European Parliament is controversial

18 Nov 2024  |  www.wired.it  |  Italian  |  Big Tech Regulation

Aura Salla, a former Meta lobbyist, has become a member of the European Parliament, sparking controversy due to her previous role in influencing EU tech regulations. Critics, including Green MEP Alexandra Geese, question whether Salla will prioritize Meta's interests over those of the electorate. Salla, part of the center-right European People's Party, argues her background makes her well-suited to shape EU tech rules, advocating for less restrictive regulations to foster innovation. Concerns persist about her alignment with Meta's agenda, as highlighted by Bram Vranken of Corporate Observatory Europe. Salla emphasizes the need for stable investment environments and suggests existing regulations should be enforced rather than introducing new ones.

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Big Tech Regulation European Parliament Lobbying

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Ronan Murphy is an Irish football journalist, focusing on the Bundesliga, European and international soccer. He is a regular Bundesliga and Champions League pundit on the Sony Sports Network and is Head of Social for the Realtimes Network, running social media for sites such as FootballTransfers, ...

Europe’s Digital Markets Act, What’s Next?

03 Oct 2023  |  cepa.org  |  English  |  Tech Regulation

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a significant regulatory measure by the European Union aimed at increasing competition and regulating major tech companies, particularly American firms like Google, Meta, and Apple. The DMA targets 'gatekeepers' and seeks to enforce compliance plans to ensure fair competition. The act has already influenced similar regulations globally, including in Japan, the UK, and Brazil. While the DMA aims to foster innovation and competition, there are concerns about its enforceability and potential unintended consequences, such as reinforcing the dominance of existing gatekeepers. The discussion also highlights the balance between civil law and common law approaches to regulation, with the DMA representing a more proactive regulatory stance. The article features insights from experts and anticipates a long legal process before significant changes are observed.

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Tech Regulation Digital Markets Act European Union

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British journalist, editor, and researcher. Work published in the Guardian, POLITICO Europe, New Statesman, Vice, The Moscow Times, and New Eastern Europe. 

Now primarily in London/Baltics but open to Russia-based commissions with the appropriate arrangements.

Pavel Durov, the Telegram genius and his tug of war with the Kremlin

30 Aug 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Tech Regulation

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, faces legal challenges in France over the app's use by criminals, while his complex relationship with the Kremlin and his libertarian views are scrutinized. Telegram, a platform with nearly a billion users, is pivotal for free speech in authoritarian states but also used by various state and non-state actors. Durov's arrest marks a significant moment in tech regulation, raising concerns about digital rights and free expression. Despite allegations of ties to the Kremlin, Durov maintains a nomadic lifestyle and a controversial public image.

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Tech Regulation Social Media Crime

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Kelvin Ng is a journalist based in Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Will Big Tech dominate AI? Part 3

11 Jun 2024  |  Lexology  |  English  |  Big Tech

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has expressed concerns about the AI foundation models (FMs) market, highlighting risks of vertical integration and market power concentration among major tech firms like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Nvidia. The CMA's updated report emphasizes the potential for negative market outcomes due to partnerships and investments that could restrict competition. Despite these concerns, the AI sector remains dynamic, with a significant increase in the number of FMs, including open-source models, which promote competition and innovation. The article discusses the evolving landscape of AI, noting the role of smaller, specialized models and the potential for open-source models to challenge proprietary systems. The CMA's concerns are shared by other antitrust authorities, but the article suggests that AI competition may not follow the same patterns as previous technology markets.

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Market Regulation Big Tech AI Competition

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Marseille-based journalist specialized in print and digital features (The New York Times, The Washington Post, BBC, Euronews) covering a range of topics, from human rights to travel. Fluent in French.

Aiming to make Big Tech cough up for content, France levies fines — and backs its media

01 Oct 2023  |  www.courthousenews.com  |  English  |  Big Tech

France has fined Google approximately $272 million for failing to honor its commitment to pay media outlets for their content, highlighting the country's proactive stance on protecting journalism and regulating Big Tech. The French Competition Authority's innovative legal approach underscores the importance of high-quality journalism and raises broader questions about digital regulation in the EU and the U.S. Experts note that while France's measures symbolize a commitment to quality reporting, their real-life impact remains uncertain. The article also discusses similar regulatory efforts in Germany and the U.K., and the broader issue of digital sovereignty in the EU.

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Regulation Big Tech Media

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RISHI RAJ is a journalist based in New Delhi, India. A drop out student BJMC 2ND YEAR. very inspire to photojournalism.

Are monopolies and duopolies bad?

12 Aug 2024  |  Financialexpress  |  English  |  Big Tech Regulation

The article explores the complexities of monopolies and duopolies, particularly in the context of big tech companies like Google, Apple, Meta, and Amazon. It discusses recent legal actions against these firms in the US and India, highlighting the tension between innovation-driven market dominance and regulatory concerns. The text differentiates between state-induced monopolies, which are seen as harmful, and those arising from competition and innovation, which can benefit consumers. It argues for balanced regulation that addresses specific issues without stifling innovation, citing economist Friedrich Hayek's views on market efficiency and consumer impact.

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Big Tech Regulation Monopolies Duopolies

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Beatriz Rios is a reporter, broadcast journalist and events moderator based in Brussels, Belgium.

E.U. reaches deal on landmark AI bill, racing ahead of U.S.

08 Dec 2023  |  www.adn.com  |  English  |  Tech Regulation

European Union officials have reached a landmark agreement on the AI Act, aiming to set a global standard for AI regulation by enforcing transparency and penalizing noncompliance. The legislation, which emerged after extensive negotiations, includes provisions to ban high-risk AI applications and create exemptions for law enforcement. The act has sparked debate over its potential impact on innovation and competition, with concerns from both European and U.S. stakeholders. The law is expected to influence global AI regulations and will take full effect in two years, requiring EU countries to establish national regulatory bodies.

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Tech Regulation Artificial Intelligence European Union

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Mark Scott is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

France’s AI hopes collide with French love of regulating tech

30 Nov 2023  |  www.politico.eu  |  English  |  Tech Regulation

French companies aiming to lead in artificial intelligence face opposition from the European Commission's Thierry Breton, who criticizes their lobbying efforts against the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act. Breton's remarks, particularly targeting the French AI startup Mistral, highlight a clash between regulatory ambitions and innovation. President Emmanuel Macron and his government support French AI companies, advocating for a global approach to AI regulation. The debate centers on the regulation of foundation models, with the European Parliament pushing for binding rules and governments favoring voluntary codes. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact the future of AI development in Europe.

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Tech Regulation Artificial Intelligence European Union

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I am currently working as a journalist for the belgian newspaper La Libre Belgique, for the International Section. Born in Bucharest in 1991, I have been living in Belgium since I was 10 years old. Experiencing two cultures has been an amazing opportunity, that sparked my interest in international ...

EU law forcing Big Tech to regulate content comes into force

25 Aug 2023  |  www.lemonde.fr  |  English  |  Digital Regulation

The Digital Services Act (DSA) officially comes into effect, requiring 19 major tech platforms to comply with new EU regulations aimed at better content regulation. Companies like Amazon and Zalando are challenging their inclusion in court. The legislation mandates platforms to make terms understandable, have a legal presence in Europe, and assess systemic risks to democracy and fundamental rights. Smaller platforms will follow suit in February 2024. The EU aims to restore trust and security in the digital space, with other regions likely to adopt similar measures.

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Big Tech Digital Regulation European Union

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Sophia Waterfield is a journalist based in York, United Kingdom.

UK Digital Markets Bill: Will regulators be able to rein in Big Tech?

04 Oct 2023  |  techmonitor.ai  |  English  |  Big Tech Regulation

The UK's Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill aims to empower regulators to control Big Tech companies like Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Amazon. The bill, debated in the House of Commons, seeks to enhance the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) powers to address market dominance and ensure fair competition. Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake emphasized the need for regulatory intervention in cases of market failure. The bill introduces the Digital Markets Unit to oversee a pro-competition regime and designate firms with strategic market status. While the opposition supports the bill, they criticize delays and call for clarity and accountability. Concerns were raised about the CMA's ability to handle AI's impact on digital markets and the interoperability of digital platforms. The bill will proceed to the public bill committee stage.

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Big Tech Regulation Digital Markets Bill Competition Law

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Brussels editor at MLex. Available as a broadcast guest.

The Brussels Defect

14 Oct 2024  |  www.theleopard.eu  |  English  |  EU Regulations

The article discusses the diminishing influence of the European Union's regulatory power, known as the 'Brussels Effect,' in setting global standards. It highlights the EU's challenges in a rapidly changing world, where its market share is shrinking compared to the US and China. The article argues that the EU's regulatory burden may lead companies like Apple and Meta to withhold products from the European market, potentially disadvantaging European consumers. It suggests that the EU must focus on economic growth and innovation to maintain its regulatory influence.

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Tech Innovation EU Regulations Global Standards

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Emma Woollacott is a journalist based in Oxford, United Kingdom, writing in fields from science and tech to business and politics, freelance since 1992. I've written for most British broadsheet national newspapers, including the Times, Daily Telegraph, Financial Times and Guardian, as well as many ...

U.K. Lays Out Plans For Big Tech Digital Markets Regime

11 Jan 2024  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Big Tech Regulation

The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has outlined its plans for a new digital markets competition regime aimed at preventing large tech companies from gaining unfair competitive advantages. The proposed Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill will apply to firms with Strategic Market Status, requiring them to support competitors' products and ensure fair trading practices. The CMA plans to evaluate several companies for SMS status and impose conduct requirements if necessary. The bill is expected to become law by the end of the year, with detailed guidance to follow. Recent regulatory actions by the CMA include commitments from Amazon and Meta to prevent abuse of their market positions.

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Big Tech Regulation Digital Markets Competition Law

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