What happens when technology outpaces democracy? In this episode, Max sits down with Mathieu Michel — Belgian politician, State Secretary for Digitalization, and advocate for digital identity, trust, and responsibility in the online world. He has played a leading role in shaping Europe’s digital identity standards and initiatives such as eIDAS 2.0 and the Declaration of Leuven, with a strong focus on protecting democracy, empowering citizens, and building a safer digital future. Together, they explore the tension between freedom, responsibility, and innovation. From the AI Act to digital identity, they tackle the hard questions: Can regulation protect democracy without killing progress? Is anonymity a right — or a risk? What you’ll learn: ➡️ Why Europe’s AI Act took five years — and what that means for innovation. ➡️ How digital identity standards like EIDAS aim to rebuild trust online. ➡️ The three levels of identity: anonymous, pseudonymous, and verified. ➡️ How responsible identity can combat fake news and online harassment. ➡️ Why trust is the foundation for innovation and new business models. ➡️ The role of startups in shaping Europe’s digital future. ➡️ Why education and digital literacy are critical for democracy in the age of AI. ➡️ How regulation can unleash technological progress. ➡️ Why Europe’s values could become its competitive advantage in tech.   Connect with Our Guest Mathieu Michel – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathieumichelbe/ Connect with Max (Host) Max Golikov - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov/ Listen Now Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19M3HKc1pbeTkYcOeOkJc0?si=aab60a9ec2864ba2 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast/innovantage-podcast/id1749330437  Follow for More Insightful Episodes Innovantage Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovantage-podcast/ Sigli: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sigli.gang TikTok: @innovantage / @sigliofficial