Compliance Management, Government Regulations

EC Digital Single Market Strategy takes aim at geo-blocking, copyright restrictions

In an attempt to improve consumer access to digital services and goods, the European Commission will push for an end to unjustified geo-blocking and elimination of some copyright restrictions under a new Digital Single Market Strategy approved Wednesday.

Currently, complicated licensing agreements make it so that media services like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and BBC iPlayer are only available in select countries with each sporting a different content library.

Despite the long reach and ease of the Internet, "citizens and businesses face barriers in reaching those opportunities—from deliberate 'geo-blocking' to a lack of digital skills," according to a Commission release. 

The set of 16 initiatives outlined for a single digital market would give consumers the right to access the content they purchase anywhere in Europe. Legislative proposals in support of the strategy are expected next year.  

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