Europe should become a global leader in setting international standards for regulating new digital technologies, according to Czech Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhánek.
Kulhánek gave an introductory speech at the two-day Czernin Security Forum, stating that Europe should promote a human rights-based approach to new technologies.
“Digital technologies have become the main geopolitical battleground of two global technology leaders, China and the United States,” Kulhánek said.
According to Kulhánek, Europe should become a leader in setting standards. He also considers it crucial to prevent attempts to use technology to suppress fundamental human rights and freedoms.
“At the same time, there is a need to better guide large technology companies on issues such as privacy, responsibility, and market dominance,” the minister added.
Kulhánek said Europe should also build and maintain relations with like-minded partners in the field of new technologies. He mentioned, in particular, the United States and the need to cultivate transatlantic digital cooperation. The minister also reminded those present that Czechia joined the global partnership in artificial intelligence in November.
The theme of this year’s Czernin Security Forum is “Digital Transformation in Europe after 2020: Adaptation in Cyberspace.” The Prague’s Institute of International Relations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation organized the forum.
