’My research is breaking up the silos’

Recent study by Dr Kristina Irion joins up three EU policy areas that intersect in the digital age: consumer protection, EU governance of AI and EU external trade. "They are becoming so intertwined', says Dr. Irion. 'My research is breaking up the silos and drawing insights from their interactions.' According to the research, the source code clause within trade law restricts the EU's right to regulate AI policy. Dr Irion's study concludes that the EU position on source code in international trade agreements limits the EU's ability to regulate AI in the interests of consumers. This is particularly the case in the ongoing e-commerce negotiations at the WTO. These findings are relevant for future EU regulations that allow algorithmic controls requiring access to the source code or access to the interfaces of an AI system. On 26 January, Dr Irion presented the findings of her study to members of the European Parliament and the European Commission.