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EU’s digital summit sparks backlash by calling citizens ‘customers’

When a top EU official called citizens ‘just customers,’ the summit’s focus on AI and business innovation turned into a PR disaster. Who really controls Europe’s digital agenda?

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EU’s digital summit sparks backlash by calling citizens ‘customers’

The summit focused on accelerating economic expansion through artificial intelligence and fostering an innovation race among companies. Critics noted the absence of focus on how ordinary Europeans might influence these changes. Instead, the event highlighted industry priorities, aligning with the EU Commission’s newly unveiled Digital Omnibus legislative package. This package has faced criticism for weakening data protection rules and favouring corporate interests.

The summit’s emphasis on industry needs has left questions about citizen participation unanswered. With the EU’s Digital Omnibus package now under scrutiny, advocates like D64 continue pushing for policies that prioritise public interests. The debate over digital sovereignty—and who truly shapes it—remains unresolved.

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