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.
The politicisation of technology regulation: four drivers that will shape 2020
Written by Olaf Cramme on 16 Jan 2020
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.
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 6 September 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 06 Sep 2019
This week's top three: Ireland considers age limits and maximum speed for e-scooters; Under 18s and non-drivers to be banned from using e-scooters in Malta; and German Environment Agency says scooters can replace cars in suburbs.
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 30 August 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 30 Aug 2019
This week's top three: Milan paves way for introduction of e-scooters; new figures show ride hailing on the rise in Spain; and Romania to update road regulations to include e-scooters.
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 23 August 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 23 Aug 2019
This week's top three: New European mobility regulations proposed; UK Government vehicles should be used for car sharing, says report; and Barcelona to issue tender for e-bikes and scooters "soon"
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 16 August 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 16 Aug 2019
This week's top three: Berlin authorities press e-scooter operators with voluntary agreements; City of Madrid looks to significantly deregulate taxis; and Brussels Regional transport authority calls on cities to designate no e-scooter zones.
When regulation goes wrong: ride hailing in Spain
Written by Matthew Niblett on 14 Aug 2019
Over the last two years ride hailing policy in Spain has been mired in conflict between the industry, taxi drivers, national government, local governments and competition authorities. Rules have been changed, challenged, revised and devolved, leaving a fragmented system that does not work well for any of the stakeholders.
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 9 August 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 09 Aug 2019
This week's top three: Spanish competition watchdog sues Barcelona over its ride hailing regulations; German cities call for more control over e-scooters; and taxi drivers urge Prime Minister to introduce ride hailing cap in London
Cutting through the noise: how to regulate for subjective issues
Written by Megan Stagman on 06 Aug 2019
In recent years, the regulation of policy areas like privacy, genetically modified foods and pollution has shown that different countries can take wildly divergent approaches. The regulation of noise is a similarly subjective issue of great relevance to the emerging tech of electric vehicles and drones, in particular.
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 2 August 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 02 Aug 2019
This week's top three: Paris e-scooter ordinance comes into force; German taxi drivers sue Uber; and Milan adopts new rules for e-scooters following national legalisation.
Towards an enhanced responsibility of online platforms: the EU Digital Services Act
Written by Denisa Avram on 31 Jul 2019
Under long-standing EU rules online service providers enjoyed liability exemptions in many instances, but concerns about developments in the digital economy have led the European Commission to question these exemptions and consider new rules.
Ursula von der Leyen: Policy priorities for the tech sector
Written by Owain Richards on 26 Jul 2019
The confirmation of Ursula von der Leyen as the next President of the European Commission for the 2019-24 term has significant implications for the tech sector. The Commission President has the ability to shape the EU’s policy agenda through providing ‘political guidance’ to the Commission and overseeing its work.