The Internet and Jobs: A giant opportunity for Europe. CEPS Policy Insights No 2017/38, 1 November 2017

For most of the past decade, Mr. Echikson has specialized in providing communications and policy support to technology companies and public authorities on Internet policy issues in Europe. He worked for six and a half years at Google, during which he worked on many of the search giant’s most difficult issues, ranging from the launch of the Chrome browser, the fight over Google Books and the battle over the Right to be Forgotten

Limited liability for the net? The Future of Europe’s E-Commerce Directive. CEPS Commentary, 13 April 2017

It has been one of the most successful pieces of European regulation. Back in 2000, just as the internet was going mainstream, Europe enacted the E-Commerce Directive, setting clear limits on liability for digital platforms. Platforms weren’t held responsible for illegal material uploaded to their sites. Instead, they were responsible only for bringing down illegal material when informed

To filter or not to filter - That is the question. CEPS Commentary, 13 September 2017

During the 2016 US presidential election, this headline spread rapidly through Facebook, provoking a wave of Tweets and YouTube videos. It looked true. Yet it was false. How should policymakers and social media platforms fight such “fake news”

President Macron can show digital light to Europe's laggards. CEPS Commentary, October 2017

Emmanuel Macron won the French presidency promising to embrace the digital world. Instead of warning about the internet as a threat to France’s traditional industries, Macron described it as a motor of renewed economic growth and promised to unleash a start-up revolution

Europe’s Surprising Economic Success Story. CEPS Commentary, 27 July 2018

Surprise, surprise: Which European country has chalked up the fastest economic growth for the past 25 years? Even surpassing Asian superstars? The answer is Poland

Europe’s telecoms reform fails to fly. CEPS Commentary, 3 March 2017

Europe today enjoys a giant opportunity to step into a position of global internet leadership. While the new Trump Administration readies to pare back key digital policies, notably net neutrality, Europe is pressing forward with a new reform of its telecoms sector that aims to spread cheap, convenient and high-speed broadband access throughout the continent

Germany’s NetzDG: A key test for combatting online hate. CEPS Research Reports No. 2018/09, November 2018

Germany’s Network Enforcement Act, or NetzDG law represents a key test for combatting hate speech on the internet. Under the law, which came into effect on January 1, 2018, online platforms face fines of up to €50 million for systemic failure to delete illegal content. Supporters see the legislation as a necessary and efficient response to the threat of online hatred and extremism. Critics view it as an attempt to privatise a new ‘draconian’ censorship regime, forcing social media platforms to respond to this new painful liability with unnecessary takedowns. This study shows that the reality is in between these extremes. NetzDG has not provoked mass requests for takedowns. Nor has it forced internet platforms to adopt a ‘take down, ask later’ approach. At the same time, it remains uncertain whether NetzDG has achieved significant results in reaching its stated goal of preventing hate speech. This paper begins by explaining the background that led to the development and passage of NetzDG. It examines the reaction to the law by civil society, platforms and the government. It concludes with suggestions, for platforms, civil society and the authorities, on ways to improve the law to be effective in the fight against online hate while keeping the internet open and free. CEPS acknowledges the Counter Extremism Project’s support for this research. The study was conducted in complete independence. It is based on interviews with regulators, company representatives, and civil society activists. The authors take full responsibility for its findings

Privatising censorship. CEPS Commentary, 14 May 2018

There are many things policy-makers can do to fight fake news and propaganda, but they must be careful to ensure they don’t find themselves mimicking the behaviour of authoritarian states

What Europe needs to create more Spotifys. CEPS Commentary, 16 May 2018

Europe is home to many potential Larry Pages and Mark Zuckerbergs. It just needs to stop holding them back in a web of national regulations and let them fly

Europe’s Payments Revolution. Stimulating Payments Innovation while Protecting Consumer Privacy. CEPS Research Report No. 2018/06, September 2018

In September 2019 Europe’s financial markets will undergo a revolution. From that date, the Payment Services Directive (PSD2) will require banks to provide API software interfaces, allowing financial upstarts to tap customer data. This new access to bank data is designed to jumpstart fintech innovation, encouraging the creation of a myriad of innovative, secure user-friendly services which will benefit both individuals and small businesses. For this study, "Europe’s Payments Revolution: Stimulating Payments Innovation while Protecting Consumer Privacy", we have spoken to fintech players, banks, consumers, small businesses and regulators to investigate whether the PSD2 will achieve the European Commission's aiim of making online payments even easier, safer and cheaper. Each group holds high hopes – while harbouring concerns. While no definitive conclusions can yet be made, this paper is designed to explain the high stakes involved for all players involved, from banks, to fintechs, to small businesses and individuals