Former Vodafone chief: Speed up policy cycles to match AI pace, keep copyright and DSA

Vittorio Colao, former Vodafone chief executive, stated on Friday that regulation is hindering artificial intelligence development in Europe, though he emphasized that not all rules carry the same negative impact. Speaking at Wave by Vento in Turin, Colao, now vice chairman for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at General Atlantic, addressed the complex relationship between law and technology. He argued that regulators and businesses must avoid grouping all regulations into a single category when assessing their impact on innovation and growth across the continent.

By the numbers

• 120 million euros: the size of the DSA fine on X that the US asked an EU court to review.
• 2 years: the time it took Italy to launch a satellite constellation under Colao's ministerial leadership.
• 1: the number of major AI acts Colao described as having good intentions but being too complicated to implement.

What the figures mean

Colao defended intellectual property rights, stating that creative work requires protection and that allowing AI companies to bypass copyright laws would amount to stealing. He supported the Digital Services Act, calling it a pillar of digital democracy despite criticism from some American counterparts. While he acknowledged the EU’s omnibus package simplified certain areas, he noted that GDPR remains problematic. He also criticized the AI Act for being overly complex, echoing former Meta executive Nick Clegg’s recent description of the legislation.

Policy must adapt to the rapid pace of technology, Colao argued, citing how SpaceX and Starlink have altered market dynamics faster than traditional lawmaking allows. He suggested that policy cycles need to be shorter and managed by competent individuals, including those from the private sector. Colao urged European leaders to stop blaming the continent for member state failures, pointing to energy market fragmentation where France resists competition from Spain. He concluded that AI-native startups with unique approaches and close customer ties will succeed, while commoditized players will struggle.

What should you do?

Managed service providers should monitor how evolving European regulations, particularly the AI Act and DSA, impact their clients' compliance obligations. Organizations must ensure their AI strategies respect copyright laws to avoid legal liability and reputational damage. Leaders should evaluate their technology stacks for flexibility, ensuring they can adapt to faster policy cycles. Staying close to customer needs and differentiating through unique AI applications will be critical for long-term viability in a regulated market.

What to do and how to stay safe: Vittorio Colao

• Review current AI deployment practices to ensure full compliance with existing copyright and data protection laws.
• Assess how the Digital Services Act affects content moderation and liability frameworks for your managed services.
• Monitor updates to the AI Act implementation guidelines to prepare for potential operational adjustments.
• Develop internal processes that allow for rapid adaptation to new regulatory requirements as they emerge.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Vittorio Colao support all European regulations affecting AI?

No, he distinguishes between rules, defending copyright and the DSA while criticizing the AI Act's complexity and GDPR's impact.

What does Colao say about the speed of technology versus law?

He argues technology moves faster than lawmaking, requiring quicker policy cycles and competent private sector involvement.

Which startups will succeed in the AI landscape according to Colao?

Startups with unique approaches, that use AI themselves and stay close to customers, while commoditized ones will struggle.