Meta, Google, Qualcomm launch tech body to promote open digital ecosystems

Alphabet's Google, Meta Platforms, Qualcomm, and seven tech firms on Wednesday agreed upon supporting open digital ecosystems in response to new European Union (EU) tech rules in a move that may also take the edge of possible future legislation.

On Friday, the EU reached a consensus on the new, comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Act.

The provisional deal on landmark European Union rules governing the use of artificial intelligence including governments' use of AI in biometric surveillance and how to regulate AI systems such as generative AI platforms- ChatGPT.

Calling itself the Coalition for Open Digital Ecosystems (CODE), the group said it wants to promote more open platforms and systems to boost growth and innovation in Europe.

It will work with academics, policymakers and companies on digital openness and how this can be achieved in Europe "through the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and in future EU regulatory framework developments".

The DMA requires gatekeepers -- tech giants that control access to their platforms -- to allow third parties to inter-operate with the gatekeeper's own services and allow their business users to promote their offer and conclude contracts with their customers outside the gatekeeper's platform.

Lynx founder Stan Larroque said,"We have had a number of conversations in the past few months about what 'good' looks like when it comes to digital ecosystems in Europe, what fosters innovation, and what will positively impact competitiveness. We think openness is the crucial element."

Other members of the group are Chinese smart devices maker Honor, China's Lenovo, French augmented reality start-up Lynx, U.S. telecoms equipment maker Motorola, UK electronics maker Nothing, Norwegian tech company Opera and German messaging services provider Wire.

The Coalition of tech majors said it aims to open up digital ecosystems through cross-industry collaboration and promote seamless connectivity and interoperable systems, among others.