Strengthening and deepening the Single Market is a key strategic priority for the 2019-24 European legislative cycle. Following the publication of the European Commission’s Single Market Enforcement Action Plan in March 2020, we look at the role and importance of the EU Single Market Transparency Directive in addressing market barriers, promoting the growth of the single market, and supporting a more harmonised regulatory environment for businesses.
Understanding the EU technical regulation notification procedure
Written by Owain Richards on 20 May 2020
COVID-19 will force governments to show their hands on the gig economy
Written by Matthew Niblett on 06 May 2020
COVID-19 has shown us both how reliant we are on gig workers, and how vulnerable such workers are in major crises. After the crisis is over, policymakers will have to decide whether the gig economy and its ecosystem is something to be championed, or something to be managed via further regulations.
Five tech sector winners from COVID-19
Written by Giulia Iop on 30 Apr 2020
The tech sector, as all other sectors of the economy, has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, but not necessarily in a negative way. The pandemic could in fact represent an opportunity for five key tech sub-sectors to innovate their business models and show policy makers the potential of new technologies for good during (and beyond) global crises.
The copyright directive is a warning signal for Europe’s AI ambitions
Written by Elena Prisacaru on 15 Apr 2020
The EU has set great ambitions around artificial intelligence, seeking to accelerate innovation and foster a much more competitive environment. But as the example of the copyright directive shows, much can go wrong for Europe’s AI businesses if they do not pay attention to what will be proposed.
The (uncomfortable) rise of workforce analytics
Written by Alessandra Venier on 27 Mar 2020
The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak is forcing companies to turn to technology solutions, given that a significant part of their workforce has switched to working remotely. This abrupt shift in workforce and workplace organisation makes both the benefits and challenges of “people analytics” evermore relevant to business leaders and policymakers alike.
Why a European AB5 is still some way off
Written by Matthew Niblett on 06 Mar 2020
California’s recent regulation to address perceived imbalances in the gig economy (known as AB5) has set tongues wagging about the future of companies like Uber and Lyft. Given Europe’s reputation for being tough on tech giants, is a similar intervention on this side of the Atlantic now inevitable?
Consumer protection legislation in the connected future
Written by Alex Rennie on 02 Mar 2020
The spread of tiny chips into more and more everyday items promises a cumulative leap in convenience for consumers and productivity for businesses. Yet as ever more consumer devices become hooked up to the internet and the line between hardware and software blurs, the question of consumer protection and the need for new consumer regulations will receive greater attention.
The geopolitics of standards-setting
Written by Megan Stagman on 11 Feb 2020
The grand-scale struggles of power between international superpowers might appear a far cry from the everyday business of a technology company. However, in reality, geopolitics has very tangible implications for corporates within the tech sector, and the tug of war taking place over the direction of industry standards is a prime example.
Transport tech: friend or foe to the green agenda?
Written by Matthew Niblett on 30 Jan 2020
European countries and cities want to reduce their carbon emissions, with transport being one of the highest priority areas. Ride hailing, e-scooters, and car sharing firms all think that they have a part to play, but they are often unpopular amongst urban policymakers. Why is this, and how can policymakers make better use of these innovations in order to meet their climate change targets?
Does the EU need a new framework to regulate AI?
Written by Giulia Iop on 24 Jan 2020
The European Union is working on a new regulatory framework for artificial intelligence that seeks to ensure better consumer protection, while enhancing Europe’s technological competitiveness. The risk is for it to become but a duplication of already-existing practices and regulations.
The politicisation of technology regulation: four drivers that will shape 2020
Written by Olaf Cramme on 16 Jan 2020
As Europe begins the year in a state of relative stability with the EU Commission firmly in place as well as new governments in the UK and Spain, all eyes are on how policymakers will now respond to popular demand for changes to our liberal order. The tech sector could be in for a rough ride.
Tech regulation: will the UK go it alone after Brexit?
Written by Olaf Cramme on 02 Dec 2019
Once the political decision about Brexit is settled, the focus will move swiftly to the precise nature of the new relationship between the UK and the EU. The question of regulatory alignment or divergence will then take centre stage - with an uncertain outcome and potentially far-reaching implications for the tech sector.
Inline’s at-a-glance guide to the 2019 election
Written by Matthew Niblett on 02 Dec 2019
The UK’s fast approaching elections will have major ramifications for businesses, citizens and Britain’s relationship with the rest of the world. Our one-page guide summarises where each of the major parties stands on the most important policy issues for the tech sector.
UK General Election 2019: Business risks are substantial, whichever way you look
Written by Shomik Panda on 19 Nov 2019
The December 2019 General election will be the fourth election or referendum to take place in the UK in the past five years. Yet despite the unusual timing and general voter fatigue, the stage is set for a high-stake drama: voters are given a last chance to determine whether Brexit ‘gets done’ under UK Prime Minister Johnson’s (Conservative) terms or if a change in direction is warranted.
Mobility-as-a-Service in Europe: A Policy Analysis
Written by Matthew Niblett on 06 Nov 2019
As Mobility-as-a-Service increasingly grabs the attention of policymakers and businesses alike, Inline’s new report looks at the MaaS policy challenges across Europe, and what regulators are doing to address those questions.
The race for regulating facial recognition technology
Written by Megan Stagman on 16 Oct 2019
Facial recognition technology is controversial amongst consumers, and a lack of clear rules about how to apply it has caused concerns amongst both the public and regulators. However, the benefits in certain contexts are there for all to see, and the race is on between business and lawmakers to shape the regulatory landscape.
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 27 September 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 27 Sep 2019
This week's top three: Uber gets two more months in London; Paris e-scooter backlash continues apace; Labour promises "people's Zipcar".
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 20 September 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 20 Sep 2019
This week's top three: Estonia becomes the latest European country to legislate for e-scooters, Spanish taxi union goes after ride hailing employment model in the courts, and Berlin police publish e-scooter accident stats.
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 13 September 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 13 Sep 2019
This week's top three: On demand transport benefits from massive Paris strike; Porto seeks to learn lessons from Lisbon's "jungle" e-scooters regulations; and Munich taxi drivers call for ride hailing clampdown
The European Parliament 2019-24: a guide for the tech sector
Written by Rory Coutts on 10 Sep 2019
The European Parliament has resumed its work after the summer break and the 2019-2024 term will include a range of policy areas impacting the digital economy. Download Inline Policy's free updated guide to the new Parliament and the people and issues matter for the tech sector.