SRIW Insights #12 Dec 2024
Updates on the SRIW ecosystem and the latest self- and co-regulatory developments in the information economy - with a keen focus on data and consumer protection.
SRIW’s 2024 Happenings
Dear Readers,
Before we head off into the Christmas holidays and welcome the new year 2025 soon, we would like to take the time and take a look back at our 2024 developments, together with you!
The year 2024 was pivotal for SRIW, marked by new memberships and significant progress of our projects. We are more than pleased to share our key milestones and activities of the past year with you.
First and foremost we would like to say thank you to our members, partners and supporters for your trust and cooperation throughout the year. We are very much looking forward to a eventful 2025 ahead.
Wishing you a prosperous and innovative 2025,
Your SRIW Team
Expanding Our Membership
At the start of the year, we were delighted to welcome several new members to our association. Their membership enriches our collective expertise and strengthens our commitment to fostering trusted consumer protection.
In light of the successfully launched Door to Door Sales Code of Conduct, we welcomed Deutsche Giganetz, Infrafibre, Tele Columbus, Vodafone, EWE Tel., Deutsche Giganetz and GOETEL.
Our growing network underscores the relevance of collaborative self- and co-regulation for organizations across diverse sectors.
Pioneering Consumer Protection in Door to Door Sales
One of our standout projetcs in 2024 was the implementation of the Doorstep Code of Conduct, launched in late 2023. This industry-wide commitment aims to set higher standards of transparency and consumer-friendly door-to-door sales in the telecommunications sector.
Seven leading telecommunications companies underwent compliance monitoring by SCOPE Europe Monitoring, our German subsidiary, affirming their adherence to the code's provisions and successfully completing the assessment of the monitoring body.
These positive results reflect the companies' commitment to consumer protection and emphasise the effectiveness of the monitoring processes.
Driving AI Governance
In 2024, SRIW continued its efforts in shaping frameworks for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI): SRIW played a central role in discussions surrounding the implementation of the AI Act, emphasizing the importance of self- and co-regulation in ensuring ethical AI practices.
In collaboration with the European AI Office, we worked on the development of a Code of Practice for General Purpose AI (GPAI).
Through participation in the AI Dialogue hosted by Germany's Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport, we contributed to shaping national AI strategies and aligning them with broader European goals.
These initiatives underscore our commitment to fostering AI innovation while safeguarding societal and ethical considerations.
Enhancing Data Protection
Geospatial data plays a critical role in shaping the future of digital economies and smart infrastructures. However, its misuse or mismanagement can lead to privacy violations, loss of user trust, and regulatory challenges. The Geodata Code of Conduct is designed to preempt these issues by providing a clear, actionable framework that aligns business practices with societal and legal expectations.
Our experts Carolin Loy, Michael Mundt and Thomas Homrighausen took a closer look at the potential and data protection challenges of georeferenced, street-side imagery. Dive into the panel recording below.
CoyPu - It's a Wrap!
The CoyPu project, an AI research initiative funded by the BMWK, has successfully concluded after 3.5 years. As a research partner, SRIW played a key role in analyzing and defining the legal and institutional framework for the CoyPu platform. The work focused on tackling complex legal challenges, including those related to GDPR compliance, data sharing, licensing, intellectual property, open data, as well as the handling of highly sensitive data such as trade secrets. SRIW also examined issues with regards to open source under the AI Act while proposing solutions to overcome potential implementation hurdles. A key outcome was the identification of areas where the development of sector-specific codes of conduct could balance stakeholder interests and strengthen consumer protection.
We are proud to have collaborated with the other project partners and sincerely thank the BMWK for the opportunity to contribute to this impactful and forward-thinking initiative.
SRIW’s Presence at Key Events in 2024
Throughout the year, we actively shared our vision and expertise with various stakeholders across industries.
ANGA COM 2024
On May 16, 2024, SRIW, alongside key players from the telecommunications industry, unveiled the Door-to-Door Sales Code of Conduct at ANGA COM in Cologne.
Smart Country Convention 2024
From October 15 to 17, 2024, SRIW and SCOPE Europe participated in the Smart Country Convention in Berlin, showcasing their expertise in self- and co-regulation at Booth 506 in Hall 25.
Webinar on the AI Act
In September 2024, SRIW, in collaboration with SCOPE Europe Monitoring, organized a webinar providing a comprehensive introduction to the AI Act and its implications for research partners and the industry.
Digital Summit 2024
On October 21-22, 2024, SRIW participated in the Digital Summit held at Kap Europa in Frankfurt, presenting its Europe-wide ecosystem at the Digital Strategy booth.