Digital Transformation

33. Proposal: Safe and trustworthy digital society, cyber security and disinformation

Objective: We propose that in order to have a safe, resilient and trustworthy digital society the EU should ensure effective and swift implementation of existing legislation and have more powers to enhance cyber security, deal with illegal content and cyber criminality, counter and recover from cyber threats from non-state actors and authoritarian states, and address disinformation through:

Measure 33(1) - Strengthening Europol/European Cybercrime Center
33.1) Strengthening capacities of Europol/European Cybercrime Center in terms of financial and human resources, allowing for a more proactive approach in combatting cybercrime and building up joint European cyber defense capabilities against large scale attacks, including through better cooperation; (ECP1 recommendation number 39, Lithuanian NCP 2.6, Dutch NCP 1, WG debate)
- Joint Cyber Unit
Measure 33(2) - Preparing for and Recovering from Large-Scale Cyber Attacks
33.2) Taking necessary measures to be prepared for and to recover swiftly from any large scale attacks and black-outs, by for example ensuring the existence of resilient infrastructure and alternative communication channels; (WG debate)
Measure 33(3) - Ensuring Coordinated Sanctions for Cybercrime
33.3) Ensuring similar sanctions and quick and effective enforcement in Member States in case of cybercrime through better coordination of local, regional and national cybersecurity centres and authorities; (ECP1 recommendation number 39)
Measure 33(4) - Enhancing Digital Literacy to Counter Online Threats
33.4) Enhancing digital literacy and critical thinking as a way to counter disinformation, online threats and hate speech, as well as dark patterns and preferential pricing; (WG debate)
Measure 33(5) - Addressing Disinformation through Legislation and Guidelines
33.5) Countering disinformation by legislation and guidelines for online platforms and social media companies to address disinformation vulnerabilities and implementing transparency measures, including for example AI based algorithms that can highlight the trustworthiness of information on social media and new media, providing the user with sources of fact-checked information. When using algorithms, human beings should remain in ultimate control of decision making processes; (ECP1 recommendation number 46 and WG debate)
Measure 33(6) - Supporting Digital Platforms for Media Pluralism

33.6) Supporting digital platforms that provide for media pluralism and provide resources and initiatives to assess the trustworthiness and impartiality of information from traditional media (e.g. television, printed press, radio) and other media in full respect of the principle of media freedom and provide citizens with information about thequality of the news. (ECP1 recommendation number 46)

There are currently no implementing initiatives that address this particular CoFE measure.