Internet Policy in the EU

Latest news and information on the Internet policies of the European Union.

Code of Practice on Disinformation

Representatives of online platforms, leading social networks, advertisers and advertising industry agreed on a self-regulatory Code of Practice to address the spread of online disinformation and fake news. This is the first time worldwide that industry agrees, on a voluntary basis, to self-regulatory standards to fight disinformation. The Code aims to set a wide range of commitments, from transparency in political advertising to the closure of fake accounts and demonetization of purveyors of disinformation.

Single digital gateway: one-stop shop for online paperwork

The EU Council gave its green light to a single digital gateway Thursday, a one-stop shop for the EU's most common administration procedures, helping people to interact with public administrations.

MEPs' copyright changes put pressure on tech giants

Internet tech giants including Google and Facebook could be made to monitor, filter and block internet uploads under amendments to the draft Copyright Directive approved by the EU Parliament Wednesday.

Commission action to get terrorist content off the web

EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker set out in his State of the Union address 2018 new proposals to get terrorist content off the web.

Terrorist content removed from web in 1 hour under new EU rules

In his State of the Union address to the EU Parliament Wednesday, Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker outlined new rules which would get terrorist content off the web within one hour.

EU, Japan edge towards data protection deal

Following the July conclusion of EU-Japan talks on personal data flows, the Commission launched Thursday a procedure for adoption of its decision on data protection adequacy between the two blocs.

Digital rights open up for holidaymakers across EU

Following the end of roaming charges across the European Union last year, holidaymakers are now able to travel with their online TV, film, sports, music or e-book subscriptions at no extra cost.

Japan adequacy decision

The EU and Japan successfully concluded their talks on reciprocal adequacy on 17 July 2018. They agreed to recognise each other's data protection systems as 'equivalent', which will allow data to flow safely between the EU and Japan.

Google fined EUR 4.34 bn for breaching EU antitrust rules

The EU Commission fined Google EUR 4.34 billion Wednesday for using Android to cement its dominance of internet search by imposing restrictions on Android device manufacturers and mobile operators.

Jehovah's Witnesses must comply with data privacy law: EU Court

The processing of personal data carried out by Jehovah's Witnesses during their door-to-door preaching must respect EU law on the protection of personal data, the EU's top court ruled on Tuesday.

MEPs send copyright reform proposal back for rethink

The EU Parliament rejected Thursday a committee proposal to update EU copyright rules, including measures to monitor and filter uploads to the Internet some described as a 'vote for mass internet censorship'.

Online markeplaces sign EU pledge on product safety

Four major online marketplaces, Alibaba (for AliExpress), Amazon, eBay and Rakuten - France signed a commitment Monday for faster removal of dangerous products sold on their online marketplaces.

EU agrees deal on free flow of non-personal data

The European Parliament, Council and Commission reached a political agreement late Tuesday on new rules that will allow data to be stored and processed everywhere in the EU without unjustified restrictions.

Free flow of non-personal data in the EU

The European Parliament, Council and the European Commission on 19 June reached a political agreement on new rules that will allow data to be stored and processed everywhere in the EU without unjustified restrictions.

MEPs' copyright reform proposals cause Internet concern

Plans to update EU copyright rules, including measures to monitor and filter virtually all uploads to the Internet, backed by MEPs Wednesday, have been termed a 'vote for mass internet censorship'.

Ultra-fast broadband behind target: EU auditors

Although broadband coverage has generally been improving across the EU, not all targets set for 2020 will be met, according to a new report from the European Court of Auditors, published Tuesday.

Data protection - Rules for the protection of personal data inside and outside the EU

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Protection Law Enforcement Directive and other rules concerning the protection of personal data, as well as authorities tasked with enforcement.

GDPR - what changes after May 2018

The General Data Protection Regulation rules will apply as of 25 May 2018. They will bring several improvements to deal with data protection violations in the future.

The new EU Data Protection Regulation - rules for European businesses

The EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - which applies as of 25 May 2018 - will make it easier for companies to do business across the EU. The new law will help businesses fully benefit from the digital economy throughout the EU's Digital Single Market.

Seven steps to get ready for the GDPR

his guide aims to help those companies that do not handle personal data as a core business activity, such as SMEs that mainly deal with personal data of their employees or have lists of clients and customers. This includes for instance traders or shops, such as a bakery or a butcher, or service providers like architects. This guide highlights the few steps that need to be taken to get ready for the GDPR.

First EU funding call for free wireless internet hotspots

Municipalities can start applying on Tuesday for EU financing of free wireless internet hotspots in public spaces, under the first call for applications for the WiFi4EU programme which opens tomorrow.

.eu top-level domain

The .eu top-level domain gives Europe its own Internet identity. It aims to boost the visibility of the European Union on the Internet, increase users’ choice of domain names and promote the development of electronic commerce.

EU takes on social media over fake news

The Commission put forward measures Thursday to tackle fake news online, including a code of practice on disinformation, fact-checkers, and actions to promote quality journalism and media literacy.

Tackling online disinformation

The European Commission proposed on 26 April measures to tackle disinformation online, including an EU-wide Code of Practice on Disinformation, support for an independent network of fact-checkers, and a series of actions to stimulate quality journalism and promote media literacy.

Standards on transparency and fairness for online platforms

The European Commission proposed on 26 April new rules for the online platforms providing small businesses with a safety net in the digital economy.