NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
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EU’s Digital Services Act: Three takeaways
By Emmanuel Selva Royan
On 05 July, the European Parliament approved the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA), two legislations are intended to limit the influence of big tech and improve internet security. The DMA obtained 588 votes in favor, 11 against it, and 31 were abstained. DSA was approved with 539 votes in favor, 54 votes against, and 30 abstentions. The DSA lays specific requirements for digital service providers, social media platforms and online marketplaces, this is to address the threats to society in terms of dissemination of illicit content and online misinformation. Therefore, any unlawful online activites will be monitored and governed under the DSA's fundamental tenet. The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated: “Today's agreement on the Digital Services Act is historic, both in terms of speed and of substance. The DSA will upgrade the ground-rules for all online services in the EU. It will ensure that the online environment remains a safe space, safeguarding freedom of expression and opportunities for digital businesses.”
Three takeaways
First, increased attempts for transparency and accountability. The DSA will restrict tracking-based advertising and misleading design techniques used by platforms and establish a tough EU-level enforcement framework for the biggest platforms. Through this, the EU countries will have access to more information and transparency and will be able to directly examine these "black boxes" to find the data the regulators need to ensure the execution and oversight of activities in the internet space. In addition, the data will be made available to qualified researchers so they can undertake study to assist the enforcement efforts.
Second, emphasis on protection of rights online. The law requires firms to promptly remove any illegal content, such as anything including child sexual abuse, hate speech, terrorist propaganda, or an illegal product. With quick removal of posts, victims of online abuse will be better safeguarded against unauthorized, non-consensual distribution of private photographs. The act limits data collection for profiling and a ban on advertising directed specifically at children. Online advertising targeting based on a user's sexual preference, health information, religion, or political convictions is prohibited. Hence, removal of illegal content, the effective protection of users' fundamental rights online, and right to free speech, have been addressed in the Digital Services Act.
Third, empower small enterprises and startups. The gatekeeping of major online platforms has become detrimental as it stifles competition and disadvantages small and medium enterprises (SME) and newcomers into the industry. For the moderation of communications and content rankings, small enterprises and organizations are dependent on major platforms. SMEs and startups are forced into direct competition with gatekeepers who exploit their data to further their own interests since platforms like Google and Facebook hold the keys to accessing the consumer data. By increasing transparency regarding the inner workings of advertising and ranking algorithms, the DSA will help level playing field for SME enterprises..
References
“Europe fit for the Digital Age: New online rules for businesses,” European Commission
“Digital Services: landmark rules adopted for a safer, open online environment,” European Parliament, 05 July 2022
“How the Digital Services Act will keep children safe online,” World Economic Forum, 20 June 2022
“Digital Services Act: agreement for a transparent and safe online environment,” European Parliament, 23 April 2022
War in Ukraine: Day 142
By Sai Pranav
War on the Ground
On 14 July, the chairmanship of the head of the office of the president, Andriy Yermak held a meeting under the president on account of the Presidium of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. The main agenda for the meeting was a fast recovery plan for Ukraine to deal with the aftermath of the full-scale war. Their main aim was to restore and improve what was destroyed during the Russian aggression without delay. The state budget had allocated UAH three billion which was provided for the restoration of villages, towns, and cities that were affected during the war. The total amount required for the fast recovery plan implementation is estimated to be USD 17 billion.
On 14 July, the Ukrainian Armed Forces struck down Russian barracks and headquarters at Nova Mayachka in the region of Kherson. The Russian troops had set up near a former children's sanatorium. In the past few weeks, UAF has eliminated the Russian camp at sixteen sites. They destroyed their barracks and ammunition depots.
On 15 July, Russia assaulted the two biggest universities in Mykolaiv with at least ten missiles. Two people were reported to be injured. The attack took place around 0750 hrs in the morning. The mayor of Mykolaiv, Vitaliy Kim, also the head of the Mykolaiv military administration called upon universities of all democratic countries to deem Russia as a terrorist nation.
On the same day, 197 civilians who were affected by Russian missile attacks on the city of Vinnytsia requested medical aid. The aftermath of the three Russian Kalibr missiles that struck the city left 23 people dead, 197 people injured and 50 residential houses destroyed. Ukrainian anti-aircraft defence units in Vinnytsia struck down two more of the missiles.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 15 July, the Russian minister of industry and Trade, Denis Manturov, said at a plenary session in the State Duma that the Russia should also look at satisfying its domestic need rather than stick to a market economy. He also said that it should amend its industrial policy to achieve the goals it has set. The policy must focus on turning Russia into a technological sovereign. He also said that Russia should start producing its products and technology for defence, energy sector, shipbuilding, aircraft, and chemical industries domestically rather than importing it from foreign countries.
On the same day, Russia justified its missile attack in Vinnytsia city in Ukraine. The Russian military said that it only struck Ukrainian high commanders and officers who were dealing with foreign weapons suppliers. They also said that the attack was not intended toward civilians refuting Ukraine's defence ministry's claims that it was deliberate. Russia claimed that it killed all the participants in the negotiations between Ukraine's military air fleet and foreign weapon suppliers. Moscow accused Ukraine of having military bases near civilians and that it was their fault for the death of the civilians.
Also on 15 July, Ukraine's two MiG-29 aircraft were shot down by Russian fighter jets in a special military operation in the region of the Donetsk People's Republic. There were reports of 230 Ukrainian military targets and 18 command posts being struck down in the past 24 hours. The Russian air force also shot down Ukraine's two Sukhoi Su-25 ground attack aircraft in the Nikolayev region.
Also on the same day, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the UN Secretariat was not observed to be taking a balanced stance on the situation around the city of Vinnytsia in Ukraine. She said that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' statement was conflicting with the UN charter and the Secretariat's balanced stance. She also said that the UN was supposed to look into any matter without any bias and has to facilitate efforts to maintain peace and stability. She also justified Russia's attack on the city as an attack on Ukrainian high officials having a negotiation with foreign arms suppliers.
Also on 15 July, a law was passed that granted the Russian FSB fighters that served on the borders the status of veterans reflecting their work in Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic. The bill passed through the three readings of the lower house of the State Duma and was signed by President Vladimir Putin. They were to receive special benefits including tax benefits, social support, pension, and various other things.
The Federal Council called out that the European Commission eased its sanctions against Russia for fear of food complications. The sanctions were threatening food shortages not only in Africa but also in the EU in the future. In the seventh package of sanctions, the EU eased up on several restrictions that focused on Russian exports. It has allowed now for the countries to let Russian ships access their ports for food and medicines.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 14 July, the US Treasury Department elucidated that exports of food, fertilizers, agricultural equipment, and medicines do not violate its sanctions against Russia. The Treasury Department accused president Putin of using food as a tool of war.
At the gathering of the finance ministers at the G20 meeting, Canadian deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland told the Russian delegate that she holds Moscow to be accountable for their war crimes in Ukraine. Freeland is also Canada's finance minister. She also stated that not only the defence ministry is responsible for the war but also economic technocrats who are part of the war crimes.
Also on 14 April, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), banned Russia from participating in Europe's football competitions such as the Champion's league. The CAS upheld the decision made by UEFA and FIFA to bar Russian national teams and clubs after Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia was already banned from the Men's Football World Cup qualifying and women's European Championship. They are excluded from participating in the Champions League 2022-23. The FIFA and UEFA decision did not exceed their authority while dealing with unforeseen and unprecedented circumstance, in this case, the war in Ukraine. The Russian football federation strongly disagreed with CAS's decision.
The Global Fallouts
Implications of the Ukraine war
On 15 July, North Korea said that Ukraine has no right to have a problem with the recognition of DRP and LRP. According to North Korea, the two breakaway regions are legitimately exercising sovereignty. On 13 July, Ukraine announced that it is severing its diplomatic relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea due to it supporting the pro-Russian republics of Donetsk and Luhansk. North Korea became the third country after Russia and Syria to recognise DRP and LRP.
On the same day, China abstained from supporting the US demand for a price cap on Russian oil. According to Shu Jueting of the Chinese ministry spokeswoman, the price capping of Russian oil is a complicated issue. China listened to the US demand but said that it would take action that facilitates all the involved parties sitting down for peace dialogues. It wants to promote cooling down the situation rather than blowing the crisis. The US wants to cap Russian oil so that it would further restrict Moscow's energy revenue and thereby allow more oil to reach the global market. India and China are major buyers of Russian oil and have abstained from joining the west to place sanctions on Moscow. The talks between the US and China went constructively with both sides agreeing that the world economy is facing challenges and they have to coordinate to create US-China macro policies. China has refrained from openly condemning Russia even though there is pressure from the west.
References
Alexandra Klitina, "Russia attacked largest universities in Mykolaiv with at least 10 rockets," Kyiv Post, 15 July 2022
"197 civilians request medical assistance after Russia’s terrorist attack on Vinnytsia," Ukrinform, 15 July 2022
"Ukrainian forces destroy Russian headquarters, barracks in Kherson region," Ukrinform, 15 July 2022
"Andriy Yermak held a meeting of the Presidium of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President at which the plan for the recovery of Ukraine was presented," president.gov.ua, 14 July 2022
"Russia to turn away from market economy," RT, 15 July 2022
"Russia explains deadly strike on Ukrainian city," RT, 15 July 2022
"Russian fighter jets down two MiG-29 planes in Ukraine operation, top brass reports," TASS, 15 July 2022
"UN fails to take balanced stance on situation around Vinnitsa — Russian diplomat," TASS, 15 July 2022
"The State Duma granted the status of veterans of the FSB fighters reflecting the "invasion of Russia"," Lenta.ru, 15 July 2022
"The Federation Council called the reason for easing a number of EC sanctions against Russia," Lenta.ru, 15 July 2022
“Canada’s Freeland says Russia’s G-20 delegation responsible for war crimes," Washington Post, 15 July 2022
"U.S. says food, fertilizer shipments do not breach Russia sanctions," The Washington Post, 15 July 2022
"Top sports court upholds Russia ban," The Daily Sabah, 15 July 2022
"N. Korea says Ukraine has 'no right' to criticize its recognition of separatist regions," The Korea Herald, 15 July 2022
"On Russian oil, China shuns US call to cap prices and urges dialogue in ‘very complicated’ issue," SCMP, 14 July 2022
IN BRIEF
By Padmashree Anandhan
REGIONAL
US and Russia sign deal to send astronauts to ISS
On 15 July, NASA from the US and Roscosmos, Russia’s Space Agency signed a deal to send each country’s astronauts to International Space Station. The deal will serve as a break between the two amidst the war. As per the agreement, US astronaut Frank Rubio, Sergey Prokopyev, Dmitry Petelin, and Anna Kikina will fly in the September. According to the Nasa administrator and former space shuttle astronaut, Bill Nelson: “Despite all of that, up in space, we can have a cooperation with our Russian friends, our colleagues. The professional relationship between astronauts and cosmonauts, it hasn’t missed a beat. This is the cooperation we have going on in the civilian space program.” As per the statement from Roscosmos, it said that the agreement was signed due to interests of both parties and help in promoting cooperation withing ISS framework. (Richard Luscombe, “US and Russia agree to fly each other’s astronauts to the ISS as tensions thaw,” The Guardian, 15 July 2022)
Pacific Island Forum ends with stress on reducing usage of coal and fossil fuels
On 16 July, the Pacific Island Forum ended with leaders participating from Tonga, Palau, Papua New Guinea, French Polynesia, Albanese, and Solomon Islands. The pacific leaders urged Australia and big economy countries to step away from using coal and asked to pledge on banning fossil fuels projects. According to Tuvalu’s foreign minister: “Obviously they’ve been in office for about two months now, but the messaging that’s coming from them is very positive. So, we’re hopeful that we can work on the issues that the Pacific is pushing for.” (Kate Lyons, “Smiles and unity at the Pacific Islands Forum mask tough questions shelved for another day,” The Guardian, 16 July 2022)
European Commission files case against Hungary
On 15 July European Commission has lodged case against Hungary over its LGBTQ laws. Hungary under its “Anti-Pedophilia Act,” does not allow young people to access any data relating to LGBTQ. The Hungarian Parliament passed a bill to amend the provision on ban on sex education and media related info, but prime minister Victor Orban has restricted the bill to come into practise. Hence the EU has filed a suit stating: “The Commission considers that the law violates the internal market rules, the fundamental rights of individuals (in particular LGBTQ people) as well as EU values.” (“EU Commission sues Hungary over LGBTQ law,” Deutsche Welle, 15 July 2022)
Migrants crossing from West Africa into Europe found by IOM
On 15 July, the International Organization of Migration found West African migrants who were trying to cross into Libya from northern Niger. Since the vehicle was broken, the migrants were left stranded in the dessert. As per the stats, 29 men, 12 women, and three girls were in Dirkou town, in north-eastern Niger. Recently many such migrants from West Africa are found to be entering into Libya and Mediterranean Sea to get inside Europe. (“Stranded migrants rescued in Nigerien desert,” BBC, 15 July 2022)