The Forum serves as a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the implementation of the recently adopted body of European digital regulations. The event is co-organised by the Centre for a Digital Society (CDS) and the Centre for Media Pluralism and Freedom (CMPF) at the EUI, the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media (ERGA) and the University of Florence.
The rapid pace and increasing complexity of technological development have compelled the European Union to adopt a comprehensive set of regulations aimed at various aspects of the digital economy, infrastructure, and society. These regulations aim to ensure a secure, fair, and transparent digital environment, foster innovation and competitiveness, and protect fundamental rights.
Key regulatory frameworks include the Digital Services Act (DSA), the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the Artificial Intelligence Act, and the Data and Data Governance Act, among others. Policymakers and regulators are now tasked with navigating this extremely complex web of new laws and policies. Effective implementation requires collaboration among regulators, digital platforms, civil society organisations, and users, with the European Commission playing a central role in digital governance.
Digital regulation relies on platforms' compliance and co-regulation to address information asymmetry between policymakers and platforms. It leverages the roles of digital companies and a multistakeholder governance model to enforce rules, protect user rights, and ensure transparency and accountability. Various regulatory areas, such as data protection, consumer protection, competition, telecom and media law, must coordinate effectively to avoid legal inconsistencies and fragmentation.
The Florence Forum of Digital Regulation aims to address these multifaceted challenges by providing a platform for regulators and stakeholders to exchange experiences, discuss common problems, and develop solutions. By fostering dialogue among European institutions, national regulatory bodies, major digital platforms, and civil society organisations, the Forum seeks to enhance cooperation, mitigate legal uncertainty, and establish more cohesive regulatory practices.
The second annual Forum of Digital Regulation will focus on the implementation of the AI Act and of the DSA. Through keynote addresses and panel discussions, participants will explore themes such as regulatory roles and responsibilities, compliance strategies, and cross-border regulation challenges.