European Commission Halts Controversial Draft Rules on Tech Patents, AI Accountability, and Consumer Privacy: What This Means for You

The European Commission (EC) has decided to drop three draft rules. These rules were set to manage technology patents, artificial intelligence (AI) liability, and privacy on messaging apps.

These proposals faced pushback from the tech industry. The EC mentioned it didn’t expect approval from EU lawmakers, as reported by Reuters.

The decision was detailed in documents linked to the EC’s work program released this week.

For the technology patents rule, the EC stated there was “no foreseeable agreement.” They will look into other options in the future.

Similar reasons were given for the retraction of the AI and messaging app rules.

The withdrawn patents rule aimed to regulate essential patents used in devices like mobile phones and smart cars.

The proposed AI Liability Directive would have allowed consumers to seek damages from those responsible for harmful AI technology.

Another withdrawn rule was the “eprivacy regulation,” which would have imposed privacy rules on apps like WhatsApp and Skype, similar to those for telecom services.

The EC’s work program highlights plans for the coming year while the accompanying documents discuss evaluations of newly proposed ideas.

“Citizens and businesses have called for a simpler and leaner European Union,” said Ursula von der Leyen, president of the EC. “This roadmap charts our course to a more competitive and prosperous Europe.”

Earlier this year, there were reports about the EC reconsidering its investigations into American tech giants, likely due to the political landscape changing with the new U.S. president.

In September, speculation arose about shifts in the EU’s political priorities as its top regulators prepared to leave. Despite this, existing regulations enacted in the past five years will need to continue being enforced.