The past five years have seen Big Tech facing numerous new rules and reprimands from Brussels. However, with a new team taking over the European Commission, relations may be entering a new era.
Thierry Breton, the bombastic commissioner who embodied the European Commission’s frustration with American tech giants, has resigned. Breton was known for his confrontational attitude towards CEOs, often using his social media presence to issue warnings and reminders. His resignation may signal a change in the EU’s approach to regulating Big Tech.
The Legacy of Thierry Breton
During his tenure, Breton was vocal about his concerns regarding the dominance of tech giants. He accused Apple of “squeezing” out other companies and emphasized the need to protect children from the addictive effects of social media. His approach was often combative, but it sparked a necessary conversation about the role of Big Tech in Europe’s economy.
Breton will be replaced by Henna Virkkunen, a Finnish politician who has previously worked on the Digital Services Act. Virkkunen’s style is expected to be less brutal and less visible on social media than Breton’s. According to Umberto Gambini, a former EU Parliament adviser, this could be an opportunity to restart and reboot relations between the EU and Big Tech.
A Shift in Priorities
The European Commission’s priorities have shifted, with a focus on enforcing existing legislation rather than proposing new laws. This change in approach may signal a more collaborative relationship between the EU and Big Tech. However, it remains to be seen how Virkkunen will navigate this new era of tech regulation.