The European Commission released long-awaited position papers Wednesday on several key digital issues, including how to treat the continent's digital data and how best to regulate artificial intelligence. Why it matters: Europe has traditionally trailed the U.S. in creating giant tech companies that gobble up consumer data, but it has led in issuing rules and policies to govern such practices. The European Data Strategy and the AI recommendations have themes will be familiar. What they're saying: Not surprisingly, many trade groups released statements praising the goals of the proposals, while urging restraint in regulation. Meanwhile: Cornell business professor Thomas Jungbauer argues the proposals aren't what's needed to help Europe catch up.