JOIN US to the online Seminar co-organized by LeADS:
Invited speaker: Prof. Ricardo BAEZA-YATES Professor, Director of Research, Institute for Experiential AI, Northeastern University
Title: Responsible AI
Date: 25th of April, at 16:00 – 17:00 (hybrid)
Register here
On 25 April 2024, 10:00h – 11:00h CET, LSTS member Bárbara Lazarotto will present her PhD research, entitled ‘Business to Government Data Sharing in the EU and the protection of personal data: Making sense of a complex framework’, followed by discussion.
Abstract: Data is a crucial resource that plays an essential role in the economy and society. Yet, due to market failures, data has been often treated as a commodity and held in silos by a few actors, often large companies. In light of recent developments, there have been talks about transferring data from exclusive control of certain groups to making it accessible for public use. The European Union has taken a step in this direction by introducing the “European Data Strategy”, a set of rules and regulations that amongst other objectives, also aimed at making it easier for stakeholders to share data among themselves and with governments. However, this regulatory framework which includes different modalities of business-to-government data sharing is fairly new and the synergy between them is still yet to be seen since many of them may overlap and have possible contradictions.
Against this backdrop, there is a pressing need to analyze the current legal and regulatory landscape for business-to-government data sharing in the EU, how they interact with each other, and their possible consequences for the rights of data subjects. The analysis will delve into the complexities of the regulatory conundrum associated with business-to-government data sharing and explore whether the current framework effectively addresses the data subject’s data protection rights as enshrined in the GDPR. Ultimately, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape for business-to-government data sharing and its connections with data subject’s rights.
This event will be in a hybrid format (both on-campus and online). Interested participants wishing to take part can register by sending an email to Pablo.Rodrigo.Trigo.Kramcsak@vub.be.
In the quest for a harmonized understanding of data portability, one should appreciate the metamorphosis it has experienced within the European legislative framework. Initially envisioned as a tool to empower consumers by ensuring their control over personal data, the practical implementation of data portability has morphed in unexpected ways, much like a caterpillar’s transformation. However, instead of emerging as the anticipated butterfly, symbolizing freedom from lock-ins and enhanced control, it has taken on the guise of a moth—a “meta-moth-phosis,” if you will. This analogy captures the essence of data portability’s journey from a promising concept to its current state, where its potential for empowering individuals seems overshadowed by a reality that favors corporate interests and operational convenience.
A change in the architecture of data flows
The metamorphosis from a data transfer model envisioned in the GDPR to the current access model in the Digital Markets Act signifies a profound shift. Initially, data portability was envisioned to empower consumers with the ability to move data from one service provider to another. Yet, as this concept evolved, it transitioned towards facilitating easier in situ access to data for businesses, thereby prioritizing usability over individual control. This shift reflects a broader transformation in the digital market’s priorities—from protecting individual rights to fueling the economy with data-driven innovation.
Towards true empowerment
To start realigning the reality of data portability with its original promise, the European regulators need to harmonize legislative definitions with a common conceptualization, and encourage technological solutions that put control back in the hands of individuals. True empowerment would mean allowing users not just to give third parties access to data that current incumbent providershave at their disposal (which they can keep as such!), but to manage access to it comprehensively. This requires a radical rethinking of the digital infrastructure, designing an information system architecture where data hubs are decentralized and controlled by the individuals who can grant or revoke access under terms they set.
Embracing the meta-moth-phosis?
The journey of data portability in the EU highlights the need for a renewed commitment to its foundational goals. As we reflect on the meta-moth-phosis of data portability, it becomes clear that achieving genuine control and empowerment for users requires a precise and specific mixture of legal clarity, technological solutions, economic impact assessments, and special attention to the principles of user autonomy and privacy. By embracing this transformation and working towards a harmonized approach, the EU can ensure that data portability fulfills its potential as a key pillar of a fair and equitable digital market.
In this light, the moth analogy serves not just as critique, but also as a call to action—a reminder that even unexpected transformations can lead to meaningful outcomes if guided by a commitment to user empowerment. The future of data portability, with its complex interplay of legal, technological, and economic factors, holds the promise of a more integrated and user-empowered digital ecosystem, provided we navigate its evolution with care and purpose.
This research will be presented at the Privacy Symposium in Venice in June and will be published in their proceedings.
The LeADS Consortium is organizing a series of informative lunch seminars. These seminars will feature a stellar line-up of speakers who are experts in their respective fields. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from and network with these renowned speakers, gaining valuable insights and expanding their knowledge base. The seminars promise to be engaging, thought-provoking, and informative, making them a must-attend event for anyone interested in leadership development.
“Carbon footprint of digital lifestyles – consumer information, behavioural intentions and demand for regulation”
Prof. Candida Leone (Associate Professor of Private Law, Faculty of Law, University of Amsterdam)
12th of April 2024 – 15:00-17:00
Teams link: Join the meeting now
Invited speaker: Cristina NITA-ROTARU Professor, Khoury College of Computer Sciences, Northeastern University
Title: Network-level Attacks in Federated Learning
Date: 18th April 2024, 16.00 – 17.00
Invited speaker: Prof. Tao Qian (China University of Political Science and Law)
Title: “AI and Copyright–Comparison between China and the EU”
Date: 23rd of April 2024 between 12:00-13.30 (Teams link: Join the meeting on Teams)
Invited speaker: Prof. Ricardo BAEZA-YATES Professor, Director of Research, Institute for Experiential AI, Northeastern University
Title: Responsible AI
Date: 25th of April, at 16:00 – 17:00 (hybrid)
This project is co-funded by
the European Union