Internet Policy in the EU

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

EU keeps up pressure on vaccine disinformation — 07 June 2021, 23:56 CET

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 — 28 May 2021, 21:23 CET

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 — 26 May 2021, 13:20 CET

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 — 06 May 2021, 00:39 CET

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 — 30 April 2021, 23:11 CET

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 — 26 April 2021, 23:51 CET

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 — 10 March 2021, 19:07 CET

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 — 09 March 2021, 22:15 CET

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 — 11 February 2021, 21:49 CET

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 — 10 February 2021, 00:01 CET

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' — 26 January 2021, 21:46 CET

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 — 19 January 2021, 23:46 CET

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 — 16 December 2020, 18:26 CET

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 — 04 March 2024, 18:10 CET

The EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) entered into force on 1 November 2022. The new Regulation will put an end to unfair practices by companies that act as gatekeepers in the online platform economy.

Digital Services Act — 25 April 2023, 21:45 CET

The European Commission adopted on 25 April 2023 the first designation decisions under the Digital Services Act (DSA), designating 17 Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and 2 Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) that reach at least 45 million monthly active users.

Europe adopts digital way forward — 14 December 2020, 18:18 CET

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 — 08 December 2020, 22:14 CET

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 — 08 December 2020, 21:50 CET

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 — 04 December 2020, 18:26 CET

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 — 11 November 2020, 23:46 CET

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 — 20 October 2020, 23:15 CET

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 — 23 September 2020, 23:54 CET

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.

EU launches EUR 1 billion call for green and digital transition — 17 September 2020, 23:26 CET

The European Commission launched Thursday a EUR 1 billion call for research and innovation projects that respond to the climate crisis and help protect Europe's unique ecosystems and biodiversity.

Brussels mulls regulatory action against fake news — 14 September 2020, 22:07 CET

Online platforms need to show more accountability, responsibility and transparency, the EU Commission said Thursday, as it presented its assessment of the effectiveness of the EU Code of Practice on Disinformation.

Google's proposed Fitbit buy under full EU investigation — 11 August 2020, 00:11 CET

The EU Commission opened Tuesday an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Fitbit by Google over the amount of data Google could use for personalisation of the ads it serves.