Internet Policy in the EU

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

EU sets its sights on huge potential of blockchain

Blockchain, the technology behind bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, has the potential to transform the way we exchange a much wider range of assets, according to a new report from the EU's research centre.

EU centre to combat fake news: call for tenders

The European Commission published Monday a call for tenders to create the first core service of a digital platform to help fight disinformation, or fake news, in Europe.

EU Court forces global deletion of defamatory comment on Facebook

Facebook can be ordered to seek and remove, among shared user content, defamatory content which is identical to content already characterised as illegal, the EU Court of Justice ruled on Thursday.

Internet cookies 'consent or be tracked' is not an option: EU Court

Internet 'cookies' can only be set if users have given consent that is valid under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and a pre-ticked checkbox is insufficient, the EU's top Court ruled on Tuesday.

One hour for Internet firms to remove terrorist content

Internet companies would be forced to remove content promoting terrorism within an hour of being informed, under new EU rules adopted by an EU Parliament committee on Wednesday.

Google 'right to be forgotten' applies only in EU: EU Court

Google's 'right to be forgotten', defined as "the right to silence on past events in life that are no longer occurring", only applies in EU Member States, the EU's top Court ruled on Tuesday.

New EU call for local authorities to apply for free Wi-Fi in public spaces

The EU Commission launched Thursday a new call for applications for vouchers to set up free Wi-Fi networks in public spaces, including town halls, public libraries, museums, public parks or squares.

German law restricting Google news not admissible: EU Court

A German provision stopping Google search from using newspaper snippets without publisher authorisation must be disregarded as it was not notified to the Commission, the EU Court ruled Thursday.

Websites using Facebook 'Like' button are data liable

A website displaying Facebook's 'Like' button, which processes users' personal data, becomes jointly liable for collection and transmission of the data to Facebook, the EU's top Court ruled Monday.

GDPR working, but not well enough: EU report

While most EU Member States have set up the legal framework for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), more is needed if the new data protection regime is to be fully effective, says a new report.

Chipmaker Qualcomm fined EUR 242m for 'predatory pricing'

The EU Commission fined US tech giant Qualcomm EUR 242 million Thursday, for abusing its market dominance in 3G baseband chipsets, sold below cost with the aim of forcing its competitor Icera out of the market.

E-commerce still vulnerable to VAT and customs duty evasion: EU auditors

Many challenges in collecting correct amounts of VAT and customs duties on e-commerce remain to be resolved, according to a report from the European Court of Auditors published on Tuesday.

European Cybersecurity Act

The EU Cybersecurity Act revamps and strengthens the EU Agency for cybersecurity (ENISA) and establishes an EU-wide cybersecurity certification framework for digital products, services and processes.

EU Cybersecurity

The European Cybersecurity Act, agreed by EU negotiators in December 2018, entered into force on 27 June 2019. The new rules equip Europe with a framework of cybersecurity certification of products, processes and services and reinforce the mandate of the EU Agency for Cybersecurity.

New EU cybersecurity certification rules in force

The EU's Cybersecurity Act, agreed by negotiators in December 2018, entered into force Thursday, providing Europe with a framework of cybersecurity certification of products, processes and services.

The changing faces of epayments

69 per cent of all internet users in the European Union regularly shopped online last year, with the average user purchasing a service or product 6 times per month.

EU cites Russian interference in European elections

The EU Commission said Friday it had found evidence of coordinated behaviour to spread disinformation in the run-up to the recent European elections, particularly from Russian sources.

Social media needs to do more against fake accounts, says EU

The EU Commission welcomed Tuesday the commitment of Facebook, Google and Twitter to act against disinformation but said more needs to be done ahead of European elections due to take place next month.

Copyright rules 'for digital age' clear final EU hurdle

The EU gave the green light Monday to rules adapting copyright law to a 'digital single market', protecting authors and artists, with new possibilities for accessing and sharing copyright-protected content online.

Brussels seeks common approach to 5G security threats

The EU Commission recommended a common EU approach to 5G security Tuesday, setting out measures to ensure 5G infrastructures are resilient and secure from technical or legal 'backdoors'.

EU approach to security of 5G networks

The European Commission recommended on 26 March a set of operational steps and measures to ensure a high level of cybersecurity of 5G networks across the EU.

Euro-MPs pass controversial Internet copyright law

The EU Parliament approved new Internet copyright rules Tuesday, giving Internet platforms liability content users upload, and journalists a share of copyright-related revenue obtained by their news publisher.

Copyright rules for the Internet

The European Parliament voted in favour of a new Copyright Directive on 26 March, which is designed to bring tangible benefits to citizens, all creative sectors, the press, researchers, educators, and cultural heritage institutions.

Russian disinformation main source of fake news in Europe, say MEPs

Russia's disinformation campaigns are the main source of fake news in Europe, along with China, Iran and North Korea, MEPs said Thursday, calling on the EU to fight back against hostile propaganda.

Agreement paves way for better VAT collection on online sales

EU Member States reached agreement Tuesday on detailed measures needed to simplify VAT rules for sales of goods online, also ensuring that online marketplaces play their part in the fight against tax fraud.