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Policy matters

Policy does matter. We may think that the Internet is a free digital environment, where no laws apply but there are many cases which contradict this notion.

In this section of Iptegrity.com, I  report on EU policy related to the Internet and online content, in particular, where policy intiatives affect   access to film, music and television, and I highlight issues for the  policy debate in relation to the Internet.  For 2008-2009, copyright enforcement has been the hot topic, with net neutrality emerging as well, in 2009.   My focus is on the European Union and  its member states - for example,  I am currently covering Internet  policy - specifically copyright enforcement intiatives - in France and the UK.

I am most interested in the citizen's perspective. However, the issues I cover will affect the Internet and telecoms industries, as well as the media and entertainment industries.  

Iptegrity.com offers  original reporting from the EU, as well as comment and opinion on issues raised in other media, including non-English language media in Europe. Iptegrity.com is the main English-language news source for the Telecoms Package review of EU telecoms law.

On the same day as the Queen's Speech on 27 May, a private members' Bill was introduced to Parliament that provides for wide-scale content filtering by network providers and device manufacturers. Whilst the headline objective is to remove 'adult' content from the Internet, the Bill opens the door to a much broader interpretation and in that regard, poses serious risks to freedom of expression. If adopted, the proposed regime would be implemented and overseen by private companies, outsourcing the government's duties to corporate actors. It may never get on the Statute, but it does signal attempts by lobbying communities to pressure the government.

Read more: Online Safety Bill 2015- a back-door to Internet filtering?

The European Commission announced today radical plans to overhaul copyright. The proposals focus on users'ability to legally access copyrighted content across borders, and they are understood to have upset the entertainment and music industries. This is not surprising since the changes will cut right through their copyright-supported distribution infrastructure.

The main plank for change will be the territoriality of copyright. Territoriality refers to the way that the entertainment industries are organised around national borders for the granting of rights and the distribution and sale of goods. On the Internet, this system is managed by asking intermediaries to block content that is not

Read more: EU announces radical copyright overhaul for cross-border content

Widely leaked since before Xmas. The biggest open secret in Brussels. What are we to make of the new EU plans for the Internet, presented today as the Digital Single Market policy? An analysis exposes a few hidden issues.

Today the European Union announced a wide ranging plan to tackle the Internet. Top of its action list is a phenomenon that is becoming known as

Read more: EU plans wide-ranging digital policy shake-up - what's in it for users?

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About Iptegrity

Iptegrity.com is the website of Dr Monica Horten. I am an  independent policy advisor, with expertise in online safety, technology and human rights. I am a published author, and post-doctoral scholar. I hold a PhD from the University of Westminster, and a DipM from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. I cover the UK and EU. I'm a former tech journalist, and an experienced panelist and Chair. My media credits include the BBC, iNews, Times, Guardian and Politico.

Iptegrity.com is made available free of charge for non-commercial use. Please link back and attribute Dr Monica Horten.  Contact me to use any of my content for commercial purposes.