Connect with us

EU

Watch your #OnlineFilms anywhere in the EU

SHARE:

Published

on

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. You can unsubscribe at any time.

smartphone-407108_960_720New rules to enable EU citizens subscribing to services like “Netflix”, that give access to online music, games, films or sporting events, to enjoy this content while abroad in another EU country were approved by the Legal Affairs Committee in a vote on Tuesday (29 November).

Jean-Marie Cavada (ALDE, FR) said: “I am very pleased, as rapporteur, to have been able to take part in drafting this regulation, which makes it possible to introduce the uniform application of portability rules in Europe, a reform much awaited by our fellow citizens. I am all the more pleased that the report makes it possible to ensure respect for territoriality, which is essential for the proper development and financing of the audiovisual and cinematographic sector in Europe”. His report was approved with 22 votes in favour, none against and no abstentions.

The provision of copyright-protected online content services is still largely characterized by territorial and exclusive licensing practices, which result in a lack of cross-border portability in the EU. This will change with this proposal. As long as Europeans have submitted proof of  permanent residence in their member state of residence when subscribing to an online content service, they will have access to the proposed content whatever device they use and whatever member state they are travelling in, for whatever reason, be it professional, private or for studies.

Random checks to verify residence

To verify the member state of residence, strong verification measures will be put in place, such as random checks via the subscriber's IP address, but always guaranteeing user privacy and the proper application of relevant copyright rules. This provision is all the more advantageous as it excludes any tracing or geolocation and ensures the protection of personal data.

Next steps

Committee members also voted to grant a mandate to the rapporteur to enter into negotiations with the Council with a view to reaching a compromise on the proposed law.

Advertisement

Find out more:

Share this article:

Share this:
EU Reporter publishes articles from a variety of outside sources which express a wide range of viewpoints. The positions taken in these articles are not necessarily those of EU Reporter. Please see EU Reporter’s full Terms and Conditions of publication for more information EU Reporter embraces artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance journalistic quality, efficiency, and accessibility, while maintaining strict human editorial oversight, ethical standards, and transparency in all AI-assisted content. Please see EU Reporter’s full A.I. Policy for more information.

Trending