Speaking at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, European Commission Vice-President Andrus Ansip defended net neutrality and previewed EU priorities in this area.
As commissioner responsible for the digital single market, Ansip emphasised that net neutrality is vital for an open internet. The EU’s net neutrality rules are designed to give end-users the right to access and distribute content, applications and information, and ensure that internet providers treat all traffic equally, without throttling, blocking or discrimination.
He detailed some of the improvements to digital services that have been made possible by recent innovations, including:
- quality and speed of access;
- cloud-based file sharing;
- an exponential growth of social media; and
- 24-hour online shopping.
All of these services are supported by strong net neutrality rules. In light of the US’ Federal Communications Commission’s efforts to cut net neutrality regulations, Ansip reassured that Europe’s regulations work well, and will remain.
What did Ansip say about illegal content online?
The commissioner announced that later this week, the commission will issue a recommendation on dealing with illegal online content, particularly terrorism. “It will complement our earlier guidance on detection, take-down and stay-down. It will help platforms to act proactively, urgently and decisively,” he said.
Ansip continued: “If the internet is to remain open – and I believe that it should – then illegal content must be blocked at the source, not in the network. This is also more effective and proportionate … Today, platforms have more influence and market power than anyone could have imagined. It is only natural that in this position they will need to become more transparent in their dealings.”
This is particularly true for efforts to tackle illegal material posted online, particularly content that promotes terrorism, violent extremism or hate speech. However, he insisted that the EU will not become a force for monitoring people’s internet usage or spying on users.
He concluded: “I believe everyone has the right to access an open internet, where all traffic should in principle be treated equally. EU law has protected these principles for almost two years. Since our experiences are positive so far, I will continue to protect and defend net neutrality and an open internet in Europe.”
