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CODE in Response to EU Tech Rules

Tech Digest — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 09:24:13 +0000

CODE in Response to EU Tech Rules

TECH DIGEST- Google, Meta Platforms, Qualcomm, and seven other tech giants have joined forces to establish the Coalition for Open Digital Ecosystems (CODE). This unprecedented collaboration aims to champion open digital platforms and systems, responding strategically to the evolving tech landscape and potential forthcoming EU regulations.

The CODE consortium, a formidable assembly of influential players, is poised to navigate the complexities of the European tech environment, particularly in light of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA mandates that tech giants deemed gatekeepers must permit third-party interoperability with their platforms, facilitating fair competition and innovation.

Stan Larroque, founder of Lynx and a key member of CODE, emphasized the significance of openness in fostering innovation and positively impacting competitiveness. Larroque stated, “We have had a number of conversations in the past few months about what ‘good’ looks like when it comes to digital ecosystems in Europe, what fosters innovation, and what will positively impact competitiveness. We think openness is the crucial element.”

The coalition, comprising a diverse range of companies from various corners of the globe, including Honor, Lenovo, Lynx, Motorola, Nothing, Opera, and Wire, aims to collaborate with academics, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. Their collective focus is on driving digital openness and navigating the implementation of the DMA, as well as contributing to the development of future EU regulatory frameworks.

At its core, CODE seeks to open up digital ecosystems through cross-industry collaboration. The coalition envisions promoting seamless connectivity, interoperable systems, and a conducive environment for growth and innovation in Europe. This united front of tech powerhouses not only addresses the current regulatory landscape but also positions itself as a proactive force shaping the future of digital ecosystems in one of the world’s most critical tech arenas.

As the CODE initiative gains momentum, it underscores the transformative potential of collaboration among industry leaders in navigating regulatory challenges and shaping the trajectory of digital innovation. The implications of this coalition reach far beyond individual corporate interests, marking a significant step toward a more open and interconnected digital future in Europe. The tech world watches with anticipation as CODE charts a course toward a new era of collaboration and openness in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

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Mark Zuckerberg promotes Policy Chief, Nick Clegg to a bigger role

Techdigest — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 15:33:20 +0000

Mark Zuckerberg promotes Policy Chief, Nick Clegg to a bigger role

TECHDIGEST – Meta Platforms Inc. today announced that the U.K.’s former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is getting a promotion, one that will put him on a level just under Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg.

Clegg is currently Meta’s head of policy and communications and was the vice president of global affairs. He’s now been elevated to president of global affairs and will now represent Meta when it comes to big policy decisions and interacting with governments around the world.

“For the last three years, Nick has managed some of the most complex issues our company faces, including content policy, elections, the establishment of the Oversight Board, and more,” Zuckerberg said in a Facebook post. “Nick will now lead our company on all our policy matters, including how we interact with governments as they consider adopting new policies and regulations, as well as how we make the case publicly for our products and our work.”

It may look as though Clegg is now to be Meta’s fall guy, given the amount of flak that Zuckerberg takes. Clegg certainly has an impressive resume, although a somewhat strange one for someone now at the top of a social media company. He was the leader of the Liberal Democrat party in the U.K. from 2007 to 2015 and served as deputy prime minister of the country from 2010 to 2015.

He lost his constituency seat in the 2017 general election and later in 2018 got out of politics (mostly) to become Facebook Inc.’s vice president for global affairs and communications. Since then, he has been called “Europe’s man in Silicon Valley” and has spent much of his time trying to improve the image of Facebook and now Meta, as well as doing things such as creating the company’s Oversight Board.

“Given the expanded scope of this new role, he will now report directly to me as well as Sheryl,” said Zuckerberg. “As Nick takes on this new leadership role, it will enable me to focus more of my energy on leading the company as we build new products for the future, and it will support Sheryl as she continues to focus on the success of our business.”

Sandberg said it was a “crucial” time for Clegg to step into these new shoes “as new rules for the internet are written all over the world.” Given the avalanche of criticism Meta has come under of late, she might just have a point.