2023-12-31 04:12:47
Digitization State Secretary Florian Tursky (ÖVP) has news regarding basic digital services. The original goal of providing Austria with stationary and mobile gigabit-capable internet across the board by 2030 will be achieved earlier, said Tursky in the APA interview: “I assume that we will be slightly over 90 percent as early as 2027.” In the first half of 2024, the entire reporting system should be digitalized.
When it comes to gigabit-capable internet, he assumes that a “high 90 percent share” will be achieved far earlier than originally assumed and that the “finish line” will therefore be crossed before 2030. In any case, the 90 percent will be cracked at the end of the call for the second broadband billion worth 1.25 billion euros in 2027, Tursky was convinced. And listed further figures and facts: At the beginning of the turquoise-green coalition’s government period in 2019, 30 percent of households had access to gigabit-capable internet, now the figure is 69 percent.
For a long time, the problem was that there was too little private investment, the State Secretary recalled. Things have now changed: private players are currently investing six billion euros. For a long time, a state strategy was missing and the whole thing was “not seen as a public service”. What made things even more difficult was that Austria had an “incredibly good mobile network” and therefore many people saw no need for a stationary, gigabit-capable Internet connection.
Tursky was not yet able to estimate how much money would have to be raised for the remaining few percent from 2027 onwards. “Even if it is only five percent, these will be the most expensive because they are no longer profitable for the private sector. Then it will be a question of what kind of funding we need. But I am assuming that we still have money will need.”
The State Secretary for Digitalization also saw Austria as being on a very good path in the area of digital administrative channels. In the first half of next year it will be possible to digitize the entire reporting system – this means that it will be accessible on mobile phones via the “Digital Office” app. The secondary residence report is currently not included – this will change. In addition, when it comes to digital administrative procedures, the only thing missing is proof of citizenship. The latter should be successful by the end of 2024 and thus the “largest part of the official procedures”, as announced, can be carried out digitally – with the appropriate user-friendliness or “usability”, according to Tursky. It has to be “as easy as the latest smartphone app, like Tinder and Co.” The ÖVP politician emphasized that the analogue processing, i.e. the classic procedure with the authorities, will of course remain in place.
As far as digital ID cards are concerned, the announced timetable and the stated goal remain: By the end of 2025, all ID cards that you usually carry or might carry with you in your wallet should also be available digitally. As is well known, driving licenses, proof of age and student ID cards are already available; proof of identification, registration certificates and e-cards will be added next year. The rest should follow by the end of 2025.
With regard to artificial intelligence (AI), Tursky was convinced that it would bring more advantages than disadvantages: “Artificial intelligence will extend all of our lives and make them more pleasant. Be it in medicine or nursing.” But like any technical development, it also poses dangers – “if it is used unlawfully”. That is why the AI Act agreed at the European level is urgently necessary and extremely important: “And much more than a minimal compromise.” Austria has led the way and, alongside Spain and the Netherlands, is one of the first countries with an AI service center, Tursky reminded us once once more. Also – as already announced – all state AI solutions would be identified before they come into force at EU level in the first half of the year – keyword labeling requirement – at the beginning of the year.
The service point allows you to prepare as best as possible for the implementation of the AI Act. It is also important to create legal certainty for companies. By starting early, they can be prepared to ensure that AI systems can be certified as quickly as possible as soon as they come onto the market. Tursky was convinced that this would clearly provide a competitive advantage.
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