Internet consumer protections were recently beefed-up in Croatia. Among other, the authorities streamlined the complaint procedures when it comes to poor internet connectivity. This week, the European parliament takes up the question of quality of internet services. Expect Croatia's policy to be discussed.
Will copyrights become the next software patents?
The European Commission just ran a consultation on the future of copyright in Europe. The response was an avalanche of opinions. In this open editorial, Sebastian Haunss imagines what's next.
After US stewardship: who should govern the internet’s root zone?
After the announcement that the United States will cease to play a role as steward of the internet's core resources, the community has to come to grips on who and how the replacement will be. The 49th meeting of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) was designed to take first - albeit wobbly - steps.
European Parliament decides for single data protection standard
The European Parliament has voted for a single data protection standard in the Union and passed both a regulation and a directive today. The Parliament wants to push the package (containing these two instruments), but has now to wait for member states to come to grips over their position.
Central internet resources could be privatised
The debate around internet governance is at full steam in advance of the Brazil's NetMundial conference in April. Especially so since academics have suggested privatising the management of critical internet resources and removing US oversight.
The District Court of Munich ruled on February 25 that YouTube cannot blame German royalty collecting society GEMA for content blocked on its platform. The Google subsidiary, according to the Chamber, has violated the German Act on unfair competition by posting the well-known notices “Unfortunately, this video is not available in Germany because
Sobering figures for new Top Level Domains
Even after competitors of the old heavyweights .com or .fr were allowed to enter the domain name market, the several hundred applicants need one asset in particular: .patience.
President signs Turkish draconian internet law
Turkish business leaders, internet researchers and the Council of Europe were quick to reply when Turkish President Abdullah Gül went on to sign a package of draconian internet laws on February 18. The new legislation matters, not only for Turkey.
Cooperation needed to avoid fragmentation of the net, says European Commission
The European Commission today released a position statement on how it hopes to approach internet governance in the coming months. Internet governance specialist Bertrand de la Chapelle reacts to the statement in this op-ed.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating
The Netherlands is among the few countries that have put specific net neutrality standards in place. In this op-ed, Nico van Eijk verifies whether the rules are working or if they are just another example of symbolic regulation.