Tag: European Commission

Prime Minister Heads to New York to Promote Rule of Law, Honour European Commission

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is headed to New York City to sing the praises of democratic values and Europe’s ongoing efforts to defend them. Trudeau is expected to take part in the World Law Congress at the United Nations, where he is to highlight the importance of the rule of law in maintaining peace around…


Big Tech Firms Comply With European Union’s Digital Gatekeeper Laws

Six tech companies have informed the European Commission that they met the criteria to be classified as “gatekeepers” under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, TikTok, Meta, Microsoft, and Samsung now meet the thresholds under EU law after the passage of the new act, EU industry chief Thierry Breton said on July 4. “Following our…


Meet the VLOPs! The EU Extends Its Censorship Powers

Commentary On Tuesday last week, the European Commission announced its first list of designated Very Large Online Platforms—or VLOPs—that will be subject to “content moderation” requirements and obligations to combat “disinformation” under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). As VLOPs, the designated services will be required “to assess and mitigate their systemic risks and to provide…


Upcoming Bill to Add TikTok to Foreign Tech Ban

Two U.S. senators will file legislation this week that would pave the way for the government to “ban or prohibit” foreign technology businesses in the United States—including the Chinese video-sharing app TikTok, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) has revealed. TikTok would be “one of the potentials” for consideration under the proposed bipartisan legislation, Warner, the head…


Senators to Introduce Bill to Add TikTok to Foreign Tech Ban

Two U.S. senators will file legislation this week that would pave the way for the government to “ban or prohibit” foreign technology businesses in the United States—including the Chinese video-sharing app TikTok, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) has revealed. TikTok would be “one of the potentials” for consideration under the proposed bipartisan legislation, Warner, the head…


The EU Files: What Elon Musk Is Not Telling You About Twitter Censorship

Commentary The “Twitter Files” have exposed numerous contacts between U.S. government officials and Twitter and requests for suppression of accounts or content: notably, in the context of alleged COVID-19 “disinformation.” But what they have not revealed is that there was in fact a formal government program explicitly dedicated to “Fighting COVID-19 Disinformation” in which Twitter, as well…


European Commission Approves 2 More Insect Species as ‘Food’ for Humans

The European Commission recently green lighted two insect species for human consumption in the region despite admitting to concerns about the bugs triggering allergies, as the World Economic Forum (WEF) is extensively promoting insects as a source of protein for people. “The Commission has authorized the placing on the market of a fourth insect, Alphitobius…


France Bans Some Flights in Name of Climate Change, Tells People to Take Trains Instead

France is banning short-haul domestic flights when there is a regular and frequent train option that takes less than two and a half hours, after a 2021 climate law, No 2021-1104, received permission from the European Commission (EC). Article 145.I of the law prohibits passenger flights “on all air routes within French territory for which…


EU Seeks Sweeping New Crisis Powers to Secure Critical Supply Chains

The executive body of the European Union (EU) laid out a new emergency tool to secure supply chains in times of crisis that would give it sweeping new powers to block member countries from adopting restrictions to the free movement of crisis-relevant goods or force businesses to break contracts and stockpile key products. Details of…


European Commissions Lays Out Energy Crisis Plan, Reaffirms Commitment to Sanctions on Russia

The European Commission announced on Sept. 14 its new plan to control the rising cost of energy in Europe since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in order to prepare the continent for a difficult winter. The proposals include mandatory cuts in electricity usage, a windfall profit tax on energy firms, and a rescue plan for power…