Monkeypox in Europe — Big Tech vs. Telecoms battle – POLITICO

In this bumper version earlier than the summer time break, we clarify the monkeypox outbreak in Europe and the EU’s response. We additionally preview the most important lobbying battle brewing in Brussels between Big Tech platforms and telecom operators.

POLITICO’s Samuel Stolton, who covers competitors and tech coverage, hosts this week’s episode, which kicks off with a dialogue in regards to the unfold of monkeypox in Europe. Health care reporter Helen Collis explains which international locations are seeing an increase in infections, and the race to safe vaccines. Helen reveals that the European Commission is re-thinking the way it buys vaccines and medicines for the bloc — to this point failing to return by means of with ample monkeypox photographs to fill demand.

Then we preview one of many biggest Brussels lobbying battles you possibly can count on to witness over the approaching months. Our lobbying guru Sarah Wheaton and chief know-how correspondent Mark Scott set the stage for this debate between Big Tech platforms and telecoms operators over whether or not platforms ought to should pay the telecoms trade for the infrastructure they should construct in order to compensate for the lots of information their customers devour throughout platforms like Google, Meta, Netflix and Amazon.

Sam then hosts a vigorous debate between the highest representatives of every facet.

On the telecoms facet, is Alessandro Gropelli from the European Telecommunications Network Operators’ Association (ETNO), which represents the likes of Deutsche Telekom, Orange and BT. Joining his facet of the talk is Jan-Niklas Steinhauer, head of coverage and regulatory affairs on the German Broadband Association (BREKO).

On the Big Tech facet, is Christian Borggreen from The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) representing the likes of Apple, Google, Meta and Amazon. And he’s joined by Thomas Lohninger, govt director of the digital rights NGO epicenter.works.

Programming be aware: We are off for a summer time vacation, however we’ll be again in your podcast feed on Thursday, September 8 with our new host, Suzanne Lynch, at present the co-author of POLITICO’s Brussels Playbook.