Internet Policy in the EU

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

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.

Modernising VAT for cross-border e-commerce

European Commission DG TAXUD page on VAT for e-commerce including legal texts

MEPs call for tougher cyber-security to counter Chinese 5G threat

The EU Parliament called Tuesday for action at EU level on the security threats linked to China’s growing technological presence in the EU, as it adopted a new Cybersecurity certification scheme for products, processes and services.

Facebook not keeping to commitments on disinformation, says EU

Social media platform Facebook is not keeping to commitments it made on disinformation with regard to scrutiny of ad placements, the EU Commission said as it published progress reports from Facebook, Google and Twitter Thursday.

Amazon not obliged to provide phone no for consumers: EU Court Opinion

Amazon and other e-commerce platforms are not obliged to make a telephone number available for consumers on their web pages, the EU top Court's Advocate General stated in an Opinion on Thursday.

Fairness of online platforms' trading practices

On 13 February, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission reached a political deal on the first-ever rules aimed at creating a fair, transparent and predictable business environment for businesses and traders when using online platforms.

New EU Copyright Directive

The European Parliament, EU Council and the Commission found a political agreement on 13 February to make the copyright rules 'fit for digital era' in Europe and bring benefits to all creative sectors, the press, researchers, educators, cultural heritage institutions, and citizens.

EU reaches deal on digital copyright reform

Creatives and news publishers will be empowered to negotiate with internet giants thanks to a deal reached late Wednesday on copyright rules which also contains safeguards on freedom of expression.

Game-making for profit - Freemium, FIFA and Slot Machine Success

Gaming is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Figures indicate that in 2017, interactive entertainment - including games and its encompassing media - generated over $100bn around the world in revenue. As of June 2018, there were reportedly 2,261 active gaming companies in the UK, with approximately 32.4 million consumers purchasing and playing games.