EC Launches Consultation on Net Neutrality
Yesterday the European Commission launched a public consultation on key questions concerning net neutrality. The consultation will feed into a report on the subject, to be presented by the end of this year.
An open and neutral Internet underpins many of the targets set out in the Digital Agenda for Europe (pdf).
Although there is no set definition of ‘net neutrality’, it is generally agreed that it represents the idea that all data on the Internet should be treated equally, whatever its source or destination. This means that in general, users should be able to access the content or application of their choice.
The consultation covers such issues as whether Internet service providers should be allowed to prioritize one kind of Internet traffic over another, and whether these practices may create problems and have unfair effects for users.
It also asks interested parties whether the level of competition between different ISPs and the transparency requirements of the new telecom framework may be sufficient to avoid potential problems by allowing consumers’ choice and whether the EU needs to act further to ensure fairness in the internet market – or whether the industry should take the lead.
All interested parties are invited to respond by 30 September 2010.
The commission will then analyze the responses to the consultation and the views raised in other forums, and come forward with a communication on net neutrality by the end of the year. The document will set out the commission’s thinking on whether additional initiatives or guidance are required.
Read the full press release.
Download the consultation document (pdf).
Source: EC
