“The European Commission today proposed an update of EU audiovisual rules to create a fairer environment for all players, promote European films, protect children and tackle hate speech better. This proposal also reflects a new approach to online platforms, addressing challenges in different areas.”
On the 25th of May 2016 the Commission proposed an updated EU Audiovisual Media Service Directive (ASMSD), with a focus on online platforms, in the continuum of the Digital Single Market strategy.
According to this plan:
– video-sharing platforms will have to protect the minors from harmful content and protect the citizens from hate speech.
– Audiovisual regulators’ independence from governments and industry will be ensured.
– There will be a better promotion of European works with at least half of the viewing dedicated to them.
– TV broadcasters will be free to decide when to show advertisements during the day and consumers will be able to switch to online free-add offering.
It shows the awareness of the European Commission towards the important economic and social role played by online platforms. This will favor their positive development and therefore promote the competitiveness of the EU audiovisual industry.
The Commission presented EU action-plan aiming to help online platforms innovators. It includes:
– Similar rules should be applied to comparable digital services in order to extent the existing regulation. For that purpose, the EU telecoms legislation and the e-Privacy Directive will be reviewed concerning notably confidentiality rules that should be extended to providers of both online communication services and traditional ones.
– Online platforms can be liable if they don’t behave responsibly. For that purpose, the Commission is working on setting a code of conduct to fight hate speech online, in partnership with major platforms.
– Cross-border enforcement cooperation is needed to guarantee that platforms respect consumer rights.
– Free flow of data should facilitate the portability of date among online platforms.
– Databases access will be facilitated and fairer in order to promote an innovation-friendly business environment.
These new initiatives are outlined by the Commission in order to facilitate and boost e-commerce in the EU. They fall under the continuity of the Digital Single Market strategy.
Katia Beider & @ATurquoise
Source : Europa
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