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India rejects EU’s data exclusivity demand  

European Union flags fly outside the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium, on June 9, 2021. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong/IANS)

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that there is no free trade agreement (FTA) in which India will go against the generic drug industry. ..reports Asian Lite News

India will continue to protect the interests of its generic drug firms and has rejected European Free Trade Association (EFTA) nations’ demand to keep “data exclusivity” as a part of the intellectual property (IP) chapter under a proposed bilateral trade deal, a top government official said on Thursday.

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that there is no free trade agreement (FTA) in which India will go against the generic drug industry. EFTA comprises Iceland, Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein.

“They want there should be data exclusivity, but we rejected their demand. We are with our generic industry. There is no fear for the Indian generic industry (from this agreement). In fact, it is our very important objective to see that the generic drug industry flourishes,” Barthway told reporters.

For over a decade, India has been against the inclusion of data exclusivity provisions in FTAs to protect the interest of the domestic generic drug industry. Through data exclusivity, technical data generated by innovator companies get protection, which stops their competitors from getting cheaper versions of the medicine for a certain time period or till the innovator companies have ‘exclusivity rights’.

Even in the past, India’s discussions on IPR have been a contentious issue in FTA negotiations with countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom (UK) and trade blocs such as the European Union (EU).

According to international medical humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Public Eye, and Delhi Network of Positive People, the draft leaked chapter on IP has provisions on data exclusivity, which can hamper the production of cheap, lifesaving generic medicines from India.

“This would result in generic manufacturers either needing to wait out the exclusivity period or repeat expensive clinical trials. In cases where a new medicine is patented, data exclusivity could block compulsory licences that may be granted to generic manufacturers to produce medicines at lower prices,” said a statement from MSF on Wednesday.

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Google to combat misinformation ahead of EU polls

All advertisers who wish to run election ads in the EU on Google platforms are required to go through a verification process and have an in-ad disclosure that clearly shows who paid for the ad…reports Asian Lite News

Google has announced to support the European parliamentary elections by surfacing high-quality information to voters, safeguarding its platforms from abuse and equipping campaigns with the best-in-class security tools and training.

On June 6-9, voters across the 27 member states of the European Union will take to the polls to elect Members of European Parliament (MEPs).

“Across our efforts, we’ll have an increased focus on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and the part it can play in the misinformation landscape — while also leveraging AI models to augment our abuse-fighting efforts,” said Annette Kroeber-Riel, Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Policy for Europe.

In the coming months, when people search for topics like ‘how to vote,’ they will find details about how they can vote — such as ID requirements, registration, voting deadlines, voting abroad and guidance for different means of voting, like in person or via mail

“We’re collaborating with the European Parliament which aggregates information from Electoral Commissions and authorities in the 27 EU member states,” said Google.

All advertisers who wish to run election ads in the EU on Google platforms are required to go through a verification process and have an in-ad disclosure that clearly shows who paid for the ad.

“These ads are published in our Political Ads Transparency Report, where anyone can look up information such as how much was spent and where it was shown. We also limit how advertisers can target election ads,” the company informed.

The company said that to help enforce its policies, AI models are enhancing abuse-fighting efforts. “With recent advances in our Large Language Models (LLMs), we’re building faster and more adaptable enforcement systems that enable us to remain nimble and take action even more quickly when new threats emerge,” Google said.

Like any emerging technology, AI presents new opportunities as well as challenges. For example, generative AI makes it easier than ever to create new content, but it can also raise questions about trustworthiness of information, like “deepfakes.”

“We have policies across our products and services that address misinformation and disinformation in the context of AI,” Google added.

Google joins coalition to bring transparency to digital content

The Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), a global standards body advancing transparency online through certifying the provenance of digital content, on Friday announced that Google has joined as a steering committee member and support Content Credentials to bring transparency to digital content in the AI era.

Google will collaborate with other steering committee members like Adobe, BBC, Intel, Microsoft, Publicis Groupe, Sony, and Truepic to develop the technical standard for Content Credentials.

Content Credentials is the C2PA’s technical standard for tamper-resistant metadata that can be attached to digital content, showing how and when the content was created or modified.

“In the critical context of this year’s global elections where the threat of misinformation looms larger than ever, the urgency to increase trust in the digital ecosystem has never been more pressing,” Dana Rao, General Counsel and Chief Trust Officer, Adobe and Co-founder of the C2PA, said in a statement.

“Google’s membership will help accelerate the adoption of Content Credentials everywhere, from content creation to consumption,” he added.

Additionally, Google’s participation, which includes YouTube, will help increase awareness of Content Credentials as a key resource to help people understand the content they’re viewing and trust the digital ecosystem.

“At Google, a critical part of our responsible approach to AI involves working with others in the industry to help increase transparency around digital content,” said Laurie Richardson, VP of Trust and Safety at Google.

“It builds on our work in this space — including Google DeepMind’s SynthID, Search’s About this Image and YouTube’s labels denoting content that is altered or synthetic — to provide important context to people, helping them make more informed decisions,” she added.

Content Credentials are essentially a “nutrition label” for digital content — showing when a piece of content is created and modified.

Content Credentials are free, open-source technology leveraging the C2PA open technical standard that anyone can incorporate into their own products and platforms. 

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EU prepares 1st guidelines on deepfakes for digital platforms  

According to Euro News, these are the first guidelines to mitigate systemic risks on their platforms ahead of the European Parliament elections in June…reports Asian Lite News

The European Union has asked digital platforms like Facebook, Google, TikTok and X (Twitter) to give feedback on first-ever draft guidelines to maintain integrity of elections.

The draft guidelines include recommendations to avoid “democratic risks from generative AI and deepfakes”, along with content moderation and political ads transparency.

Online platforms are invited to give feedback to draft election guidelines under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) on the integrity of elections, said the European Commission.

The public consultation is open for feedback until March 7.

“With the Digital Services Act, Europe is the first continent with a law to address systemic risks on online platforms that can have real-world negative effects on our democratic societies,” said Thierry Breton, the EU’s commissioner for internal market.

“2024 is a significant year for elections. That is why we are making full use of all the tools offered by the DSA to ensure platforms comply with their obligations and are not misused to manipulate our elections, while safeguarding freedom of expression,” Breton added.

According to Euro News, these are the first guidelines to mitigate systemic risks on their platforms ahead of the European Parliament elections in June.

“With the Digital Services Act, we have concrete tools to work together with online platforms. We can address the emerging online risks to electoral processes, like deep fakes,” said Margrethe Vestager, the Commission’s Vice President.

“We can enable people, in a safe way, to engage, discuss and make up their minds without illegal interference,” Vestager added.

“Generative AI can notably be used to mislead voters or to manipulate electoral processes by creating and disseminating inauthentic, misleading synthetic content regarding political actors, false depiction of events, election polls, contexts or narratives,” according to draft guidelines.

Generative AI systems can also produce incorrect, incoherent, or fabricated information, so called ‘hallucinations,’ that misrepresent the reality, and which can potentially mislead voters.

The draft election security guidelines include the recommendation that tech giants put in place “reasonable, proportionate, and effective” mitigation measures tailored to risks related to the creation and “potential large-scale dissemination” of AI-generated fakes.

ALSO READ-EU, India join forces in New Delhi against terror drones

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EU, India join forces in New Delhi against terror drones

EU-India Human Rights Dialogue. (Photo:Ugo Astuto Twitter)

Violent extremists have exploited these inexpensive and adaptable consumer devices for different purposes, including reconnaissance and violent attacks…reports Asian Lite News

The first ever European Union (EU)-India Track 1.5 dialogue on countering the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) by extremists and non-state actors will take place in New Delhi on Thursday.

The day-long EU-India roundtable seeks to better understand the range of current and emerging threats particularly involved with consumer-grade UAS technology. Participants from the EU and India will also discuss best practices regarding regulatory, tactical and investigative responses to addressing UAS threats in both regions, according to an official release.

Commercial UAS has been developing rapidly in recent years, both in terms of technological sophistication and consumer availability. Violent extremists have exploited these inexpensive and adaptable consumer devices for different purposes, including reconnaissance and violent attacks.

This roundtable is part of a series of ongoing counterterrorism engagements between the EU and India, building on recent activities under the EU project Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia (ESIWA). In the field of counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism (CT-PVE), activities have included successful chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risk management training for Indian security practitioners, and moderated expert discussions on countering online extremism, the release added.

“Security and terrorist threats are increasingly of an hybrid nature. The use of commercial drones is a case in point. If a relatively cheap device can carry and fly a pizza or biryani, then clearly, they can also be used for carrying more nefarious payloads, such as weapons or explosives” EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin said.

“Sharing knowledge and experiences between us, the EU and India, is highly relevant and crucial to counter drones’ threats that we each face, in this rapidly evolving field. This seminar testifies to EU and India’s general joint commitment to intensify dialogue and cooperation on security issues,” he added.

Seizing the opportunity to exploit these relatively inexpensive and adaptable devices, terrorist organisations and individual violent extremists across the world have deployed ‘off-the-shelf’ drones. The swift rise of this phenomenon and the evolving technologies involved mean that threat assessments and mitigation strategies are recent and ongoing. Sharing information with peers is therefore vital in forging a common response to ensure our security and defence.

This EU-India roundtable has been organised by the ESIWA project, in partnership with the National Security Guard of India, and the EU Delegation to India. Highlighting the Team Europe approach, expert inputs will be provided from the EU’s Directorate General of Migration and Home Affairs (DG Home), Spain’s Ministry of the Interior, Hungary’s national police (Rendorseg), along with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCCT), it also said.

The ESIWA project is co-funded by the European Union, the German Federal Foreign Office and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It works to enhance the EU’s security and defence cooperation with the Indo-Pacific in four thematic areas: counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism, crisis management, cyber security and maritime security. The project is co-implemented by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) & Expertise France.

ESIWA’s activities in counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism (CT-PVE) aims to contribute to information exchange, capacity building and mutual learning.

In October 2023, the EU Commission issued a Communication to the Council and European Parliament on countering potential threats posed by drones. The document sets out the EU’s commercial drone policy for the next several years.

The communication specifically aims to “provide a comprehensive and harmonised policy framework; build a common understanding of applicable procedures to face the continuously evolving threats possibly posed by drones; and take into account the rapid developments in technology”. (ANI)

ALSO READ-27 EU states endorse AI legislation

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27 EU states endorse AI legislation

EU flags are seen outside the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 6, 2023.(Xinhua/Zheng Huansong/IANS)

The European Parliament is anticipated to vote on the finalized text in March or April before it becomes law, with the AI Act slated to enter into force 20 days after publication in the official journal…reports Asian Lite News

The 27 member states of the European Union (EU) have unanimously endorsed the bloc’s “landmark legislation” governing the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI), also known as the EU AI Act, according to European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton.

Breton described the move as “historic, world first, pioneering” on the social media platform X, emphasizing that negotiators have found the “perfect balance between innovation and safety.”

In December, EU lawmakers and member states reached a political agreement on the key provisions of the AI Act, hailed by the European Commission as the “first-ever comprehensive legal framework on AI worldwide”.

However, the complexity of the legislation prompted months-long technical refinement, during which countries like France and Germany expressed concerns particularly regarding the stringent regulatory rules for powerful AI models, prompting a new round of discussions on its contents.

The European Parliament is anticipated to vote on the finalized text in March or April before it becomes law, with the AI Act slated to enter into force 20 days after publication in the official journal.

While the legislation will not take immediate effect, certain rules will be implemented within six months, and other aspects will be enforced two years later.

ALSO READ-EU condemns human rights violations in Myanmar

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EU condemns human rights violations in Myanmar

The military’s actions have fueled a growing humanitarian crisis with 2.6 million people displaced from their homes, and more than 18 million people in need…reports Asian Lite News

Three years since February 1, 2021 the day when the military in Myanmar overthrew its democratically elected government, foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, United States, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs on behalf of the European Union have condemned sexual and gender-based violence and the restriction of fundamental freedoms by the military regime.

The joint statement reiterated their call for the Commander-in-Chief and the military to change course, immediately ceasing violence against civilians, releasing all unjustly detained political prisoners, allowing full humanitarian access, and creating space for inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the military regime’s ongoing atrocities and human rights violations, such as sexual and gender-based violence, and the restriction of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, through peaceful protests and the media,” the statement read.

It noted that under the military regime, violence against civilians has escalated, with thousands jailed, tortured, and killed. Airstrikes, shelling, and arson have been used to destroy civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship.

The statement further read, “Systematic discrimination against members of religious and ethnic groups, including Rohingya, is rife. Many are displaced and continue to face horrific conditions, and others have been forced to flee across Myanmar’s borders. The military’s actions have fueled a growing humanitarian crisis with 2.6 million people displaced from their homes, and more than 18 million people in need.”

The statement also called on “all members of the international community to support efforts to push the Myanmar military to cease violence, to bring about genuinely inclusive dialogue, in order to establish a credible, peaceful democratic future for Myanmar; to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of people in Myanmar and refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries, including its most vulnerable communities, and to cease providing the Myanmar military with the arms and equipment that are necessary for them to commit atrocities.” Further, it strongly encouraged unified efforts by ASEAN to resolve the crisis saying, “We commend the constructive efforts of the ASEAN Chairs and Special Envoys. We call on the military regime to implement ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and engage meaningfully and positively with ASEAN representatives for Myanmar to transition towards an inclusive democracy,” the statement read.

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EU agrees massive Ukraine aid deal in ‘message’ to Putin

EU flags are seen outside the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 6, 2023.(Xinhua/Zheng Huansong/IANS)

Zelenskyy noted, “It is very important that the decision was made by all 27 leaders, which once again proves strong EU unity.”…reports Asian Lite News

All 27 European Union countries have reached consensus on an additional 50 billion euros (USD 54 billion) aid package for Ukraine, overcoming potential vetoes, notably from Hungary, Al Jazeera reported.

European Council President Charles Michel announced the breakthrough after a special summit of EU leaders in Brussels, stating, “We have a deal.”

The approved aid package is seen as a commitment to providing steadfast, long-term, and predictable funding for Ukraine. Michel emphasized that this decision reflects the EU’s leadership and responsibility in supporting Ukraine, emphasizing the gravity of the situation at hand, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the unanimous approval, emphasising the strengthened long-term economic and financial stability for Ukraine as it navigates the complexities of the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Zelenskyy noted, “It is very important that the decision was made by all 27 leaders, which once again proves strong EU unity.”

The urgency for financial support from Western countries has intensified for Ukraine, given recent political delays in both US and EU aid, bolstering Russian confidence amidst the prolonged conflict.

The EU had previously agreed on the aid package in December, extending support until 2027 and designating Ukraine as a candidate for EU membership, a decision reluctantly accepted by Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, known for his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

However, Orban’s discontent arose from the European Commission’s decision to restrict his government’s access to certain bloc funds, citing concerns about potential threats to the EU budget by Hungary. Orban’s subsequent veto of several EU issues created a diplomatic standoff, with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stating, “I don’t want to use the word blackmail, but I don’t know what other better word might fit.”

Following intense negotiations, the deal’s finalisation was met with relief in Ukraine, ensuring funding for the next four years and providing a longer-term sense of security. The first tranche of 4.5 billion euros (USD 4.9 billion) from the EU facility is expected to reach Ukraine in March.

Orban, after lifting the veto, cited guarantees about the sensible use of the funds and reassurances that Hungary’s money would not end up in Ukraine. The EU’s united front in approving the aid package aims to send a clear message of solidarity, especially considering the challenges posed by the upcoming US elections and the ongoing uncertainty in the geopolitical landscape.

While a similar aid package from the US faces internal political disputes and complications due to the upcoming presidential election in November, the EU’s decisive action ensures crucial financial support for Ukraine during these challenging times, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)

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Meta to let EU users unlink other social media accounts

The changes mean that users in the EU will be able to use Meta’s services without their information being shared between them…reports Asian Lite News

To comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union (EU), Meta on Monday announced that the users will be able to unlink their Instagram and Facebook accounts as well as other services.

The Mark Zuckerberg-run company said that it is offering more choices to people using Instagram and Facebook in the EU, European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland about how they can use its services and features, as the DMA enters into force in March.

The changes mean that users in the EU will be able to use Meta’s services without their information being shared between them.

People who have already chosen to connect their Instagram and Facebook accounts will be able to continue to connect their accounts so that their information will be used across their Instagram and Facebook accounts.

“They can also manage their Instagram and Facebook accounts separately so that their information is no longer used across accounts,” said Tim Lamb, Director, Competition and Regulatory, Meta.

People using Facebook Messenger can choose whether they wish to continue using Facebook Messenger with their Facebook account, or if they would prefer to create a stand-alone new Messenger account.

People who choose to create a new Messenger account without their Facebook information will be able to use Messenger’s core service offering such as private messaging and chat, voice and video calling, Lamb informed.

Those using Facebook Marketplace can choose between a Marketplace experience that uses their Facebook information or not.

“For people who choose to use their Facebook information for their Marketplace experience, the current Marketplace experience will remain. People who choose not to use their Facebook information for their Marketplace experience will still be able to browse listings and to buy and sell items,” the company informed.

Over the next few weeks, people will receive notifications that will inform them about their ability to choose whether they would like to share information between Meta services.

People who play games on Facebook can choose between a gaming experience that uses their Facebook information or an experience without their Facebook information.

“People in the EU, EEA and Switzerland also have the ability to use Instagram and Facebook for free with ads, or subscribe to stop seeing ads,” said the company.

If people subscribe to stop seeing ads, their information will not be used for ads. This choice rolled out in November last year.

The DMA Act seeks to promote contestability and fairness in digital markets. “We are committed to continue working hard to ensure that Meta’s products in the EU comply with the DMA and deliver value to people,” said the company.

ALSO READ-EU official visits Poland to discuss rule of law

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‘Two-State Solution Vital for Israel-Palestine Peace’

He has also asked the Israelis that peace and stability cannot be built only by military means…reports Asian Lite News

The EU’s Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell on Monday said that Israel cannot build peace only by military means and a two-state solution is the only way forward to resolve the Palestine conflict, media reports said.

Reports said that Josep Borrell has repeated the condemnation from the United Nations of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “unacceptable” rejection of calls for a Palestinian state after the offensive in Gaza.

“What we want to do is to build a two-state solution. So let’s talk about it,” Borrell told media persons ahead of his mediatory talks with the foreign ministers of various Arab nations.

He has also asked the Israelis that peace and stability cannot be built only by military means.

“Which are the other solutions they have in mind? To make all the Palestinians leave? To kill them off?” Borrell said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has completely refused the two-state solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict proposed by various mediators.

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EU official visits Poland to discuss rule of law

The suspension of payments from the bloc’s post-Covid recovery fund and cohesion funds, worth tens of billions of euros, was due to EU concerns over the rule of law in Poland…reports Asian Lite News

European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders held discussions with the new Polish government on judicial reforms that could unlock tens of billions of euros worth of EU funding blocked by the Commission.

During Friday’s visit, Reynders met with Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski, Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar, Minister of EU Affairs Adam Szlapka, and heads of the Sejm and Senate Committees on European Affairs.

The suspension of payments from the bloc’s post-Covid recovery fund and cohesion funds, worth tens of billions of euros, was due to EU concerns over the rule of law in Poland, Xinhua news agency reported.

The problem stems from a deep overhaul of the judiciary carried out by the previous nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) cabinet, which the EU said damaged democratic checks and balances and demanded a restoration of the rule of law.

Since it came into office last December, the new government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk has prioritised getting the EU funds unlocked.

On Friday, Reynders was briefed on the latest initiatives undertaken by Polish authorities to restore the rule of law and constitutional order in the country, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sikorski reiterated the government’s commitment to reforms, and said the Commission should consider this determination when weighing the possibility of fully unblocking EU funding for Warsaw.

The parties also discussed EU plans regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, including the possibility of utilising frozen Russian assets to support the reconstruction efforts in Ukraine, the Ministry’s statement said.

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