Google's Top Lawyer Issues Stark Warning to European Union on Tech Protectionism
In a direct and forceful message, Google's chief legal officer has cautioned European leaders that building barriers against foreign technology could severely undermine the region's economic growth prospects. According to a detailed report from The Financial Times, Kent Walker, who serves as Google's president of global affairs and chief legal officer, highlighted what he termed a "competitive paradox" emerging in Brussels.
The Competitive Paradox: Growth Ambitions vs. Tech Restrictions
Walker articulated that the European Union is actively striving to ignite a new wave of economic expansion while simultaneously imposing limitations on critical tools such as advanced artificial intelligence and cloud computing services. He emphasized that this dual approach creates a significant contradiction. "We deliver a lot of value to Europe. Erecting walls that make it harder to use some of the best technology in the world, especially as it's advancing so rapidly, would actually be counter-productive," Walker stated in his interview with the publication.
This warning comes at a pivotal moment as Brussels intensifies its efforts to reduce dependency on major US technology corporations. The timing coincides with a summit held by EU leaders in Belgium on Thursday, February 12, which focused on strategies to enhance European competitiveness within an increasingly unstable global economic landscape.
Advocating for Open Digital Sovereignty and Partnerships
In response to these challenges, Walker proposed a middle path he describes as "Open Digital Sovereignty." Under this innovative model, Google aims to establish collaborative partnerships with European companies. These alliances are designed to "allow local control, local storage of information, and local ability to ensure compliance with European regulatory requirements," as Walker explained.
He also expressed deep concern over the absence of international coordination on digital policies. Noting that US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron have already been clashing over digital regulations, Walker stressed the importance of US firms working in partnership with European entities to prevent further frictions. "If we have 190 countries with 190 different rules, it's very difficult to build software," he remarked, urging a "pragmatic, forward-looking approach," particularly concerning artificial intelligence.
Risks of Regulatory Friction in the AI Era
Walker pointed out that "regulatory friction" could deprive European businesses of access to the finest digital tools during what he described as the most competitive technology transition in history. "The AI transition is the most competitive technology transition we've ever witnessed. The market is moving faster than the rules right now," he told the publication, underscoring the urgency for adaptive regulatory frameworks.
This discussion occurs as the European Commission, which has multiple ongoing investigations into Google, is in the final stages of negotiations with the company regarding probes under the Digital Markets Act. This legislation aims to create a level playing field for smaller competitors. Walker expressed optimism about resolving these issues, stating that Google is "optimistic that we will be able to resolve those and address the concerns that have been raised, in ways that are still positive for the European economy and European consumers."
