EC updates EU audiovisual rules and presents targeted approach to online platforms

26 May 2016 11:16 AM

The European Commission yesterday 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.

As part of its Digital Single Market strategy, yesterday the Commission presented an updated Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD); the common rules which have governed audiovisual media, ensured cultural diversity and the free circulation of content in the EU for almost 30 years. Nowadays viewers do not only watch video content via their TV channels but also increasingly via video-on-demand services (such as Netflix and MUBI) and video-sharing platforms (such as YouTube and Dailymotion). This is why the Commission wants to achieve a better balance of the rules which today apply to traditional broadcasters, video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms, especially when it comes to protecting children. The revised AVMSD also strengthens the promotion of European cultural diversity, ensures the independence of audiovisual regulators and gives more flexibility to broadcasters over advertising.

This proposal reflects the new approach of the Commission towards online platforms - like online marketplaces, search engines, payment systems, social media, video and content-sharing sites. Since the launch of the Digital Single Market strategy in May 2015, the Commission has undertaken a comprehensive assessment of the social and economic role of these new players. Today the Commission concluded that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach was not appropriate for consumers to benefit from the opportunities and for the rules to meet the different challenges posed by the very diverse types of online platforms. Based on this approach, the Commission will look at each area where it can act, from telecoms to copyright rules, to address any specific problems in a future-proof way for all market players.

Andrus Ansip, Vice-President for the Digital Single Market, said yesterday: "I want online platforms and the audiovisual and creative sectors to be powerhouses in the digital economy, not weigh them down with unnecessary rules. They need the certainty of a modern and fair legal environment: that is what we are providing today. This means not changing existing rules that work, such as those related to the liability of online service providers. It also means deregulating where necessary for traditional sectors like broadcasting, or extending certain obligations to platforms and other digital players to improve user protection and to reach a level-playing field."

Günther H. Oettinger, Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society, said yesterday: "The way we watch TV or videos may have changed, but our values don't. With these new rules, we will uphold media pluralism, the independence of audiovisual regulators and will make sure incitement to hatred will have no room on video-sharing platforms. We also want to ensure a level-playing field, responsible behaviour, trust and fairness in the online platforms environment, our today's Communication sets out our vision for that."

A media framework for the 21st century

The Commission has conducted an evaluation of the 2010 Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) and, on this basis, proposed:

These different measures are expected to have a positive economic impact for media service providers – mainly TV broadcasters – and increase their capacity to invest in audiovisual content. This is important for the competitiveness of the EU audiovisual industry. 

Online platforms: opportunities and challenges for Europe

Online platforms play a key role in innovation and growth in the Digital Single Market. They have revolutionised access to information and have connected buyers and sellers in a better and more efficient way. EU action is needed to set the right environment to attract, retain and grow new online platforms innovators.

The Commission outlined a targeted, principles-based approach, to fix problems flagged by respondents to the Commission's public consultation during its year-long assessment of platforms (see questions and answers). The Commission will support industry and stakeholder efforts for self- and co-regulation to ensure this approach remains flexible and up-to-date. The action areas include:

In its forthcoming European agenda for the collaborative economy, the Commission will also provide guidance on applicable EU legislation and make recommendations for Member States.

Background

These new initiatives under the Digital Single Market strategy were presented yesterday along with a package to boost e-commerce in the EU (press release).

Yesterday's measures followed a set of initiatives to digitise European industry (press release), proposals on copyright (press release) and digital contracts (press release) as well as a draft decision on spectrum coordination (press release). The Digital Single Market strategy includes 16 initiatives to be presented by the end of this year. 

More information

Questions and answers on online platforms and on EU audiovisual rules

Documents adopted yesterday:

Proposal for a revised Directive on audiovisual media services

Communication on online platforms and the Digital Single Market

Staff working document on online platforms and the Digital Single Market

On social media

#DigitalSingleMarket

#AVMSD

#Platforms

Press contacts:

General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email