Welcome to the 20th issue of Dentons TMT Bites that marks 2 years of our newsletter. This issue includes the most-read articles in 2020. Enjoy the reading and looking forward to sharing with you new interesting “bites” in 2021.

If you have any questions, ask our team or send an e-mail to tmtbites.italy@dentons.com.

Virtual reality: top data protection issues to consider

The improvements of VR technologies involve some relevant issues from a data protection perspective, as advanced VR systems are able to know how we move around physically through the analysis of our movements (through VR sensors), and potentially even our brain waves. Even though this technology has not been fully deployed in the mass market, significant privacy concerns have already been raised.

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Unpacking Loot Boxes: gaming or gambling?

The gaming industry is growing and, in parallel with it, several legal issues arise. In addition to other concerns, one of the hottest and most debated topics in the gaming sector is related to so-called “Loot Boxes”.

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About a recent enforcement decision of the Italian DPA: lessons learned

In this brief article, we will focus on the main principles that data controllers should take into account when processing personal data for marketing.

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Using artificial intelligence against the spread of COVID-19

During these challenging times, there is an increasing consensus about the importance of using AI to fight against COVID-19. With this bite we will provide you with a brief overview of the main AI-based projects against the pandemic. 

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The DABUS case: two patent applications designating an AI-based machine as the inventor refused by the EPO

On January 28, 2020, the EPO published its written decision to refuse two European patent applications in which the designated inventor was an AI-based machine also described as “a type of connectionist artificial intelligence”.

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The EU White Paper on Artificial Intelligence: the five requirements

The European Commission published the “ White Paper on Artificial Intelligence - A European approach to excellence and trust”. With this bite we address the main requirements upon which AI regulations should be based, from training data to human oversight. 

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Cookies and online advertising: an ongoing-changing scenario

Cookies are the main technologies that enable effective online targeted advertising. These tracking technologies are still regulated by the ePrivacy Directive, which will soon be replaced by the ePrivacy Regulation (currently under discussion within the Council of the European Union). 

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Targeting users: the EDPB provides its view on social media’s data use practices

Everyday newspapers and television programs highlight how people's lives are more and more exposed to the web. The issue of monetization of personal data is drawing more and more public attention. The massive use of information technologies and the social media today allows big tech companies to collect considerable amounts of data, to be used for different purposes. Data collection initially was just a by-product of the use of online services; now, collected data represents the real product, to be sold to other clients (mainly, other companies).

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The upcoming Digital Services Act and the role of algorithms

The legal framework for digital services was defined by the adoption of the e-Commerce Directive in 2000. Since then, the e-Commerce Directive has been the cornerstone for regulating digital services and their liability regime in the European Union.

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