Internet Policy in the EU

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

EC frees 6GHz spectrum for better, faster Wi-Fi

The EU Commission adopted a decision Thursday harmonising use of the 6 GHz band for wireless networks which will support devices, apps and innovative services that require larger bandwidth and speed.

EU rules on removing online terrorist content in force

Online platforms have one hour to remove terrorist content referred by EU states' authorities, under landmark EU rules on addressing the dissemination of terrorist content which entered into force Monday.

EU must step up efforts to tame disinformation threat: auditors

The EU's action plan to combat disinformation, issued in 2018, is being outpaced by emerging threats and is incomplete, according to a special report published Thursday by the European Court of Auditors.

EU keeps up pressure on vaccine disinformation

The EU confirmed Thursday extension of its monitoring programme on measures taken by online platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Microsoft and Google to reduce the 'dangerous lies' of disinformation.

Online platforms profiting from fake news, says EU

The EU's code of practice on disinformation needs to be strengthened to become more effective in countering disinformation, the EU Commission said in new guidance published Wednesday.

Guidance to strengthen the Code of Practice on Disinformation

The European Commission published on 26 May guidance on how the Code of Practice on Disinformation - the first of its kind worldwide - should be strengthened to become a more effective tool for countering disinformation.

Apple music streaming app breaches competition rules, says EU

Apple's App Store has abusesd its dominant position for the distribution of music streaming apps by distorting competition in the music market, the EU Commission said Friday in a preliminary finding.

EU gives one hour deadline to remove online terrorist content

Internet platforms will have one hour to remove or disable access to flagged terrorist content following the EU Parliament's go-ahead Wednesday for a new law to address dissemination of terrorist content.

New EU legal framework for AI sets standards for trust

The EU Commission proposed Wednesday a first-ever legal framework on artificial intelligence, with guarantees of safety and fundamental rights while strengthening AI uptake, investment and innovation.

Europe plots course for digital fast lane

The EU Commission set out a blueprint Tuesday for Europe's 'digital transformation', including multi-country projects, and preparing legislative proposals for a governance framework to monitor progress.

Europe's Digital Decade - guide

The European Commission presented on 9 March a vision, targets and avenues for a successful digital transformation of Europe by 2030.

States provisionally agree update to EU ePrivacy rules

The EU member states agreed Wednesday on a negotiating mandate for revised rules on the protection of privacy and confidentiality in the use of electronic communications services.

States fail to transpose new EU telecoms rules

The EU Commission started legal action Thursday against 24 Member States for failing to enact a new EU telecoms directive which regulates and reforms electronic communications networks and services.

EU fines Steam gaming platform for 'geo-blocking'

The EU Commission has fined Valve, owner of online PC gaming platform 'Steam', with publishers Bandai Namco, Capcom, Focus Home, Koch Media and ZeniMax EUR 7.8m for breaching antitrust rules.

EU mulls digital levy for fair recovery

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on a new digital levy, saying it wants to to ensure fair taxation in the digital economy, while at the same time contributing to Europe's recovery.

EU to make online platforms more accountable

The European Commission proposed new rules for social media and online market places Tuesday, to better protect consumers and their rights online, and to create fairer and more open digital markets.

Digital Markets Act

The EU Commission proposed on 15 December reform a comprehensive set of new rules for digital services, including social media, online market places, and other online platforms that operate in the European Union: the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act.

Digital Services Act

The European Commission proposed on 15 December reform a comprehensive set of new rules for digital services, including social media, online market places, and other online platforms that operate in the European Union: the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act.

Europe adopts digital way forward

The EU institutions struck a provisional deal Monday on a new programme to promote large-scale deployment of state-of-the art technology such as artificial intelligence and the latest cybersecurity tools.

5G security in Europe under EU auditors' scrutiny

The European Court of Auditors launched an audit Tuesday to assess whether the EU and its Member States are implementing secure 5G networks in a timely and concerted manner.

New ranking guidelines to make online search more transparent

New ranking guidelines for online searches, published Monday by the EU Commission, allow online platforms to improve the transparency of their ranking parameters and help businesses to compete fairly online.

EU to tighten cybersecurity of connected devices

The EU Council approved Thursday conclusions acknowledging increased use of consumer devices connected to the internet and the related new risks for privacy, information security and cybersecurity.

Amazon charged with breaching EU antitrust rules

The European Commission informed Amazon Tuesday of its preliminary view that the American e-commerce giant has breached EU antitrust rules by distorting competition in online retail markets.

Cyber attacks threat grows under Covid-19

Cyber criminals have advanced their capabilities during the pandemic, adapting quickly and targeting victim groups more effectively, according to a report Tuesday from the EU cybersecurity agency.

Digitalisation of European industry lagging: EU auditors

Europe's industry is not fully benefiting from advanced technologies to innovate and remain competitive, EU auditors said Tuesday, with some countries still lacking national digitalisation strategies.