I I . T H E D I G I TA L E CO N O M Y A N D D I G I TA L W O R K P L A C E We will improve the distribution and availability of mobile Internet access via WLAN. In doing so, we will ensure that IT security is preserved and that no new gateways for anonymous crime are created. We will therefore create legal certainty for the providers of these WLANs in public spaces such as airports, hotels and cafés. These providers should not be held liable for any law breaking carried out by their customers. We will be drafting appropriate legis­ lation in this area shortly. We will ensure that innovation and competition can develop unhindered by any abusive activities carried out by dominant Internet corporations. We are working towards the strict application of national and European antitrust rules. Furthermore, we are examining to what extent these rules must be developed to take account of the dynamically evolving technological and economic conditions of the global data economy. In particular, we are evaluating ways of preventing market-dominant platform operators from discriminating against competing firms and also ensuring non-discriminatory, neutral access to distribution channels and content. Expert studies are investigating Internetspecific antitrust issues. In addition, any editorial content of public interest should be especially easy to retrieve. Meanwhile, we will improve Internet data protection and consumer information in relation to online companies. Informational self-determination and data autonomy for consumers must be based on the core principles of transparency with accessible customer information, consent and data portability. We are strongly supporting the adoption of an EU-wide basic regulation on data protection enshrining the applicability of EU data protection law for Internet enterprises based outside the EU (marketplace principle). We want to adapt the legal framework for protecting intellectual property in line with the rapid pace of technical digitisation in industry and society. This will involve fairly reconciling the interests of right-holders and users, Internet service providers and Internet users. In parallel, we will see to it that service providers whose business models are essentially based on infringement of copyright can no longer hide behind the liability privilege as hosting provider. We will also pursue this objective at European level. Furthermore, we will reinforce the collective management of copy­right in accordance with European legislation and take an active role in reviewing European copyright law. 15 We will continue to adapt the e-commerce business environment to new technological possibilities, in the area of electronic trading platforms and modern payment systems, for example, while maintaining consumer and data protection. 4. Reconfiguring the workplace in the digital world The progressive digital transformation is creating new areas of activity and job opportunities. It offers employees more flexible and family-friendly ways of working. The phenomenon can not only help to secure skilled workers, but also boost tax revenues and social insurance contributions. At the same time, digitisation is giving rise to new challenges in relation to, for example, the creation of new ways of working. The possible effects of digitisation on employee co-determination must also be taken into account. Furthermore, a noticeable impact on employment trends is to be expected. The Federal Government will address and discuss these issues together with the social partners and the scientific community to enable it to carry out a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of the opportunities and challenges presented by the digital working world and to take action where necessary. We want to achieve high standards of digital working, within a healthy and secure environment that enhances employability. The skillsets of employees and job seekers will need to evolve to meet the requirements of digitisation, such as increasingly short development cycles, for example. Skilled workers are a key requirement for growth, innovation and prosperity. Demographic trends are directly affecting the supply of labour and thus the performance of Germany’s economy and social system. By 2030, Germany’s economically active population threatens to decline by several million. The IT sector is already facing skills shortages. These are affecting small and medium-sized enterprises in particular. We want to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by digitally supported, working models based on flexible working hours and locations to help people reconcile

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