Europe’s digital laws are not bargaining chips

European policymakers are facing increased pressure to safeguard the integrity of the EU's digital rulebook against potential external influences. Civil society organizations, including EDRi, are urging the European Commission to resist calls for a formal dialogue with the US government concerning EU tech regulations, emphasizing that these laws are not negotiable assets. The concern is that such a dialogue could provide an avenue for Big Tech lobbying efforts to undermine the effectiveness and enforcement of landmark legislation like the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The pushback stems from a perceived risk that these negotiations could dilute the stringent requirements placed on large digital platforms. These regulations are designed to foster a more competitive and safer online environment by imposing obligations on gatekeeper platforms regarding data usage, interoperability, and content moderation. The proposed dialogue, if pursued, could inadvertently open the door for these powerful entities to influence the interpretation and application of these critical digital laws, potentially weakening their impact on the digital single market. The primary implication of such a compromise would be a setback for the EU's ambitions towards greater digital sovereignty and a more equitable digital landscape. A weakened regulatory framework could disproportionately benefit dominant US-based tech giants, hindering the growth of European alternatives and diminishing consumer protections. Civil society groups argue that the established digital laws represent a fundamental commitment to European values and should be upheld without concessions that could compromise their intended outcomes and the public interest.