Finally, this recent development on how Google recently ended a longstanding ban on AI being used for developing weapons and surveillance tools.

www.bbc.com/news/article...

This piece by @daminis.bsky.social & Likhita Banerji on how the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public sector is exacerbating inequality, expanding mass surveillance, and violating human rights ⤵️

www.techpolicy.press/ai-as-double...

This statement by 100 NGOs on AI's impact on planetary boundaries 🌍

The statement outlines 15 demands incl: phasing out fossil fuels, computing within limits, responsible supply chains, equitable participation & transparency.

www.thegreenwebfoundation.org/news/within-...

🔥 In a Europe plagued with rise of authoritarianism, the fight Serbians for accountability is not only inspirational, it’s essential.

We need to stand in solidarity with those who rise against corruption & for democracy. Because democracy’s too fragile to be one country’s struggle alone ✊

Serbia also has resources that are of great interest to European countries, especially Germany and its automotive industry. That’s why Europe is a strong supporter for a major lithium mine project led by company Rio Tinto despite large protests and strong opposition by local communities.

Some experts think that "European leaders fear that if they criticise Vučić, he will turn towards Russia and continue opening his country to Chinese businesses”.

🇪🇺 Where’s Europe?

While von der Leyen has not hesitated to express support for “the Georgian people fighting for democracy”, she has remained quiet about Serbia. Worse, she regularly praises Vučić's sense of responsibility and the country's economic potential.

Serbia is not an easy place to protest ❌

@amnesty.org report revealed the regime uses massive surveillance software (such as Pegasus) to control & repress opponents. There’s also evidence that the regime orchestrates targeted propaganda campaigns against pro-democracy organisations & activists.

The protests have prompted the resignation of the Prime Minister and the Mayor of Novi Sad. But the students say their demands have NOT been met.

❌ 🇷🇸 current president is Aleksandar Vučić, authoritarian figure who’s been in place since 2012 and maintains tight control over country's media.

Since the protests started, he accused students of being 💰 by the West & tried to intimidate them. Several students were also attacked by pro-gov thugs.

The protests are entirely student led but have mobilised thousands of people in every layer of society and generations, from teachers to farmers.

Last week end, there were anti-corruption protests in almost every town in Serbia demanding accountability from the government.

A strong civil society is the basis of a healthy democracy. It ensures citizens voices are heard and is a barrier against disinformation. Calls to reduce civil society’s power which is already small is a tactic that reminds us of authoritarian’s playbook.

We can not let this happen.

The whole thing is basically a bunch of exagérations and manufactured doubts at a time where many are pushing against the Green Deal policies. But it’s also extremely worrying in terms of democracy.

Interestingly enough, MEP Monika Holmeier who raised the matter in the Parliament, makes a striking €75,000 per year, on top
of her MEP salary, for serving on the Supervisory Board of BayWa, an international corporation
active in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and energy.

Because the grants include meetings with MEPs on topics the NGOs work on (which are not mandated by the Commission), tadam, the conservatives are saying the NGOs are paid by the commission to do its dirty work.

When NGOs apply for this public money (which can’t be 100% of their budget, co-financing is mandatory), they’re asked to explain very much in details how they’re going to spend it.

And this usually includes how many meetings they have with MEPs.

Indeed, funding available for NGOs is €15.6 million annually (0.006% of EU’s total annual budget).

VS in 2024, 50 corporations with largest lobbying budgets collectively spent
almost €200 million on EU lobbying & corporate lobbyists account for 65% of meetings with the Commission.

It’s obviously completely false ❌

Basically, NGOs can apply for grant money from the Commission through a instrument for environmental action called LIFE.

Why? To foster democratic participation and level the playing field on lobbying with corporate interests.