Internet Policy in the EU

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

Data protection in the electronic communications sector — 07 January 2010, 17:02 CET

New technologies, and in particular the Internet and electronic messaging services, call for specific requirements to ensure that users have a right to privacy. This EU Directive contains provisions that are crucial to ensuring that users can trust the services and technologies they use for communicating electronically. The main provisions apply to spam, ensuring the user's prior consent ("opt-in"), and the installation of cookies.

Commission decision on Microsoft's new web browser Choice Screen - user's guide — 16 December 2009, 15:36 CET

The European Commission has resolved a serious competition concern in the market for web browsers. For the first time in over a decade, Internet users in Europe will have an effective and unbiased choice between Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and competing web browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Apple Safari and Opera.

Copyright and related rights in the EU: term of protection — 16 December 2009, 18:14 CET

This Directive aims to harmonise the term of protection for copyright and related rights in the EU. It sets the term of protection for copyright at 70 years and for related rights at 50 years.

Towards a Single Market in Creative Content Online — 08 December 2009, 00:45 CET

Online content knows no bounds and is on the increase. Reaching almost 500 million consumers, content services could significantly enhance the competitiveness of the European music, film and games industry by 2010. This is why the European Commission is encouraging the development of a stronger and more consumer-friendly internal market for online creative content within the European Union.

Towards a Single Market in Creative Content Online — 03 December 2009, 16:19 CET

Online content knows no bounds and is on the increase. Reaching almost 500 million consumers, content services could significantly enhance the competitiveness of the European music, film and games industry by 2010. This is why the European Commission is encouraging the development of a stronger and more consumer-friendly internal market for online creative content within the European Union.

Agreement on EU Telecoms Reform - briefing — 05 November 2009, 18:41 CET

The European Parliament and the EU Council of Ministers have reached agreement on the EU Telecoms Reform package, after intense negotiations brokered by the European Commission. The reform, proposed by the Commission in November 2007, substantially strengthens competition and consumer rights on Europe's telecoms markets, facilitates high-speed internet broadband connections to all Europeans and establishes a European Body of Telecoms Regulators to complete the single market for telecoms networks and services. Following the endorsement of the reform package by an overwhelming majority of the European Parliament in May this year, only one sub-paragraph had remained controversial between Parliament and Council: the degree to which access to the internet should, and could, be protected by EU law, as well as the procedural and judicial safeguards for internet users. After further talks, in a conciliation committee made up of representatives of the 27 EU Member States and an equal number of representatives from Parliament, the negotiators of Parliament, Council and Commission agreed last night – by unanimity – on a new internet freedom provision that will substantially strengthen the rights of internet users. The new internet freedom provision will be accompanied by new measures to reinforce the neutral character of the internet in Europe. Following final votes in Parliament and Council in November, these reforms could come into force in early 2010. EU countries will then have 18 months to incorporate the new provisions into their national legislation.

EU Digital Dividend proposals - briefing — 28 October 2009, 19:24 CET

As digital TV replaces analogue TV, four-fifths of the airwaves that used to carry TV broadcasts to our homes will be freed up. This means that they can be used for new, innovative services that use radio spectrum, from wireless internet and more advanced mobile phones to new interactive and high-definition TV channels. Remote regions could be big winners from this as wireless broadband could use the new spectrum to deliver high-speed internet to areas not yet reached by landlines. The European Commission today set out plans for a coordinated distribution of spectrum that encourages investment and competition in these potential new services. If the allocation of the newly freed airwaves – the "digital dividend" – to new services is coordinated across Europe it could give the economy a boost of €20 to €50 billion. The plan for the realisation of the digital dividend's full potential involves the European Parliament and EU countries, reflecting the major part they have to play.

Creative Content in a European Digital Single Market: Challenges for the Future — 22 October 2009, 15:35 CET

The European Commission has published a reflection paper on the challenge of creating a European Digital Single Market for creative content like books, music, films or video games. According to Commission studies, a truly Single Market without borders for Creative Online Content could allow retail revenues of the creative content sector to quadruple if clear and consumer-friendly measures are taken by industry and public authorities. The digital availability of content thus presents great opportunities for Europe, but also a number of challenges. First of all, regulatory and territorial obstacles still stand in the way of digital distribution of cultural products and services and can impede creativity and innovation. In addition, illegal downloads on a large scale can jeopardize the development of an economically viable Single Market for digital content; there needs to be much more encouragement for legal cross-border offers. Against this background, the reflection paper – drafted jointly by the services of Commissioners Reding and McCreevy – outlines current challenges for three groups of stakeholders – rights-holders, consumers and commercial users – and invites everybody interested to participate in a broad debate about the possible European responses to them. Comments can be sent by 5 January 2010.

Dismantling barriers to cross-border online shopping - briefing — 22 October 2009, 12:46 CET

There are widespread problems with refusals of orders for EU consumers trying to purchase goods online in another Member state, according to a new European Commission report on cross border consumer e-commerce. An extensive independent mystery shopping exercise was carried out for the Commission where shoppers across the EU tried to purchase a list of 100 popular products - for example cameras, CDs, books, clothes - from a cross border provider. Over 11,000 test orders were carried out. The research found that 60% of cross-border transactions could not be completed by consumers because the trader did not ship the product to their country or did not offer adequate means for cross border payment. Latvia, Belgium, Romania and Bulgaria are the countries where consumers are least able to buy cross border. But in all but two countries the odds of succeeding in a cross border purchase are lower than 50%. The foregone benefits to citizens are also very clear. In more than half of EU Member States, 50% or more or the products could be found 10% cheaper (transport costs included) from a website in another country. And 50% of products searched could not be found in national sites and were only offered by another Member State trader. The Communication presents a series of measures to be taken to reduce the complex regulatory environment which is acting as a disincentive for businesses to serve consumers in other Member States. In addition and to boost confidence in online trading, the problems regarding the collection of commercial data and its use to profile and target consumers will be analysed in a stakeholders forum.

E-commerce study — 22 October 2009, 12:45 CET

There are widespread problems with refusals of orders for EU consumers trying to purchase goods online in another Member state, according to a new European Commission report on cross border consumer e-commerce. An extensive independent mystery shopping exercise was carried out for the Commission where shoppers across the EU tried to purchase a list of 100 popular products - for example cameras, CDs, books, clothes - from a cross border provider. Over 11,000 test orders were carried out. The research found that 60% of cross-border transactions could not be completed by consumers because the trader did not ship the product to their country or did not offer adequate means for cross border payment. Latvia, Belgium, Romania and Bulgaria are the countries where consumers are least able to buy cross border. But in all but two countries the odds of succeeding in a cross border purchase are lower than 50%. The foregone benefits to citizens are also very clear. In more than half of EU Member States, 50% or more or the products could be found 10% cheaper (transport costs included) from a website in another country. And 50% of products searched could not be found in national sites and were only offered by another Member State trader. The Communication presents a series of measures to be taken to reduce the complex regulatory environment which is acting as a disincentive for businesses to serve consumers in other Member States. In addition and to boost confidence in online trading, the problems regarding the collection of commercial data and its use to profile and target consumers will be analysed in a stakeholders forum.

Study on activities undertaken to address threats that undermine confidence in the Information Society, such as spam, spyware and malicious software — 08 October 2009, 22:42 CET

A European Commission-funded study finds that although in recent years several EU countries have taken some measures to enforce Europe's ban on spam, including fines for spammers, the number of prosecuted cases and sanctions imposed on lawbreakers vary considerably. The study confirms the need for the legislative improvements proposed under the reform of the EU's Telecoms rules: clearer and more consistent enforcement rules and dissuasive sanctions, better cross-border cooperation, and adequate resources for national authorities in charge of protecting citizens' online privacy.

State aid broadband guidelines — 17 September 2009, 12:19 CET

Community Guidelines for the application of State aid rules in relation to rapid deployment of broadband networks

State aid guidelines for broadband networks - briefing — 17 September 2009, 12:20 CET

The European Commission has adopted Guidelines on the application of EC Treaty state aid rules to the public funding of broadband networks. The Guidelines provide a clear and predictable framework for stakeholders and will help EU Member States to accelerate and extend broadband deployment. The Guidelines also contain specific provisions concerning the deployment of Next Generation Access networks, allowing public support to foster investment in this strategic sector without creating undue distortions of competition. The Guidelines take account of comments received during a public consultation.

Information Society Contacts — 15 September 2009, 22:06 CET

 

eBusiness — 15 September 2009, 19:34 CET

By enabling companies to sell to consumers and work with partners without being physically present, the European Commission sees eBusiness as being essential to helping European companies - particularly SMEs - take advantage of the Single Market, driving prices down and bringing "Europe's Best" to the world.

Single European Information Space — 14 September 2009, 23:56 CET

The first objective of i2010 is to establish a Single European Information Space offering affordable and secure high-bandwidth communications, rich and diverse content and digital services. Action in this area combines regulatory and other instruments at the European Commission’s disposal to create a modern, market-oriented regulatory framework for the digital economy.

Geographical eInclusion — 14 September 2009, 23:59 CET

The European Union is committed to ensuring that the continent’s more remote and economically disadvantaged regions get the support they need to share in the benefits of economic growth. Digital technologies such as broadband internet access can play their part in narrowing disparities between regions and help to promote social and economic cohesion. The European Commission supports actions to develop an inclusive Information Society which embraces those who live in geographically less accessible areas.

Broadband Gap Policy — 14 September 2009, 23:59 CET

Broadband gap policy is concerned with the geographical aspects of the digital divide among EU regions. This policy seeks to bridge the gap of access, speed, quality of service and price in broadband between urban and rural/remote areas. The European Commission aims to achieve 100 % high-speed internet coverage for all citizens by 2010 as part of the European Economic Recovery Plan.

EU invests EUR 18m in future ultra high-speed mobile internet - briefing — 18 August 2009, 22:24 CET

As of 1 January 2010, the European Union will invest EUR 18 million into research that will underpin next generation 4G mobile networks. The European Commission has decided to start the process of funding research on Long Term Evolution (LTE) Advanced technology, that will offer mobile internet speeds up to a hundred times faster than current 3G networks. LTE is becoming the industry's first choice for next generation mobile networks, also thanks to substantial EU research funding since 2004. 25 years ago, Europe already made the GSM standard the backbone of modern mobile telephony. Based on Europe's joint research and the strength of the EU's single market, the GSM standard is today used by 80% of the world's mobile networks. LTE promises to be a similar success as EU-funded research continues to bring cutting-edge technology to the daily lives of Europeans.

European Commission consultation on regulatory strategy to promote very high speed Internet in Europe - briefing — 12 June 2009, 15:28 CET

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on its revised proposals for the regulation of Next Generation Access (NGA) broadband networks, in the form of a draft Commission Recommendation. A previous public consultation held during the last quarter of 2008 confirmed general support for the objective of the Commission to achieve a common regulatory framework for NGA in order to foster timely investment in very high speed networks while ensuring that the competitive structure of the market is maintained. In the light of comments from stakeholders, the revised draft Recommendation includes mechanisms to allocate the investment risk between investors and operators seeking access to NGA networks. The draft Recommendation forms part of the European Broadband Strategy that the March European Council invited the Commission to develop by the end of 2009. The public consultation will be open until 24 July 2009. The Commission plans to adopt the Recommendation, taking account of comments received, before the end of 2009.

USA: internet gambling ban and its discriminatory enforcement — 10 June 2009, 23:49 CET

US laws on remote gambling and their enforcement against EU companies: European Commission report

Trade Barriers Regulation report on US Internet gambling laws - briefing — 10 June 2009, 23:50 CET

The European Commission published on 10 June a report on US laws on remote gambling and their enforcement against EU companies. This report is the outcome of an investigation into United States measures affecting foreign suppliers of Internet gambling services. The report concludes that the US measures constitute an obstacle to trade that is inconsistent with WTO rules. As a result, WTO proceedings would be justified. At the same time, the report suggests that the issue should be addressed with the US Administration, with a view to finding a negotiated solution.

EC strategy for Creative Content Online — 14 May 2009, 22:21 CET

In 2008, the European Commission adopted a policy paper on creative content online - building on a 2006 consultation process and launching further measures to support the cross-border delivery of online content. The Communication launched the 2008 consultation process and identified 4 main areas requiring EU action: availability of creative content; multi-territory licensing of creative content; digital rights management systems (DRMs); and piracy / unauthorised file-sharing. The Communication also proposed a stakeholder discussion group - the "Content online platform" – to look at forthcoming challenges. The final report on the Content Online Platform has been published in May 2009.

Mobile Satellite Services in Europe: briefing — 14 May 2009, 16:53 CET

On 13 May 2009 the European Commission selected two operators, Inmarsat Ventures Limited and Solaris Mobile Limited, to provide mobile satellite services across Europe. The services, such as high-speed internet access, mobile television and radio or emergency communications are expected to reach millions of EU consumers and businesses all over Europe, in particular in rural and less populated regions. The selection concludes the first pan-European selection procedure organised by the Commission. Commercial service must start within 24 months from this selection decision at the latest.

Commission fine on Intel for abuse of dominant position - briefing — 13 May 2009, 23:52 CET

The European Commission has imposed a fine of EUR 1,060,000,000 on Intel Corporation for violating EC Treaty antitrust rules on the abuse of a dominant market position (Article 82) by engaging in illegal anticompetitive practices to exclude competitors from the market for computer chips called x86 central processing units (CPUs). The Commission has also ordered Intel to cease the illegal practices immediately to the extent that they are still ongoing. Throughout the period October 2002-December 2007, Intel had a dominant position in the worldwide x86 CPU market (at least 70% market share). The Commission found that Intel engaged in two specific forms of illegal practice. First, Intel gave wholly or partially hidden rebates to computer manufacturers on condition that they bought all, or almost all, their x86 CPUs from Intel. Intel also made direct payments to a major retailer on condition it stock only computers with Intel x86 CPUs. Such rebates and payments effectively prevented customers - and ultimately consumers - from choosing alternative products. Second, Intel made direct payments to computer manufacturers to halt or delay the launch of specific products containing competitors’ x86 CPUs and to limit the sales channels available to these products. The Commission found that these practices constituted abuses of Intel’s dominant position on the x86 CPU market that harmed consumers throughout the EEA. By undermining its competitors’ ability to compete on the merits of their products, Intel’s actions undermined competition and innovation. The Commission will actively monitor Intel’s compliance with this decision. The world market for x86 CPUs is currently worth approximately EUR 22 billion (US$ 30 billion) per year, with Europe accounting for approximately 30% of that.