The use of biometric applications is becoming increasingly common in our everyday life. Many regard finger scans, face or voice recognition as a harmless and secure type of identification; however, the use of biometric data also carries risks such as data misuse and identity theft. An event organised by AK EUROPA and BEUC makes it clear: the safety of consumers must be guaranteed as personal biometric characteristics – in contrast to passwords– cannot be changed or deleted.

The 36-year-old Product Liability Directive no longer reflects technological developments. The use of algorithms, artificial intelligence (AI) or smart devices (IoT) in everyday consumer life was a pipe dream in 1985. Digitalisation risks are thus not covered by product liability.

Using biometric data like finger scans, facial or voice recognition as a replacement for passwords is becoming more and more common. The supposed advantages of biometric data such as an easy and unique verification method weigh heavy, and many find it a harmless and safe norm for identification and authentication. However, the use of biometrics comes with a risk of data abuse and identity theft. It is therefore crucial to secure consumer safety because you cannot change or delete your biometric features.

The digital arms race has already begun. Countries worldwide are actively investing to ensure that their industries are able to compete successfully on a global basis.

AK EUROPA, the Brussels Office of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Labour and BEUC, the European Consumer Organisation would like to cordially invite you to our joint webinar "How safe is biometric data and what impact does it have on AI regulation?" 

In its White Paper on Artificial Intelligence (AI) from early 2021, the EU Commission stated the maxim that AI had to be trustworthy. As correct as this diagnosis is, the legal instruments published in April 2021, which the EU Commission relies on in its proposal for a regulation,  are weak. Its proposal only inadequately protects affected consumers: only a few high-risk AI applications shall entail obligations. For everything else, voluntary self-regulation should be sufficient.

With the proposal for a regulation on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the European Commission wants to create a legal framework for the dealing with and using AI systems. Are the proposed regulations sufficient to actually provide adequate protection and transparency and to clarify responsibility issues?

With its Communication on the 2030 Digital Compass, the European Commission has presented the next steps within the scope of one of its key priorities – the digital future of the EU. The Communication addresses a wide range of subjects, starting with education policy via digital infrastructure, business, and data protection aspects up to EU trade policy.

Digital platforms such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple and others control central areas of the digital economy. Their economic power and their intensive lobbying and PR work provides them with huge political influence, which they also use to avert effective regulation. This concentration of power is a fundamental problem for democracy.

With its Communication on the Digital Compass 2030 the European Commission provides an overview of the next steps it wants to take in the digital sector. This includes plans for education, health and enterprise policy, infrastructure and the public sector. The international dimension of the digital sector and the necessity of digital partnerships are also addressed.