What The Net Neutrality Battle Looks Like In Europe

The US isn't the only place grappling with how to regulate the internet in a way that protects consumers while still allowing service providers to innovate and grow; Europe is fighting a similar battle except with far more moving pieces.

While the question of whether or not all internet traffic should be treated equally proved complicated in the States, the block is trying to pass a proposal that encompasses net neutrality, infrastructure investment and copyright laws that all 28 member nations can agree to.

All Traffic Isn't Equal

Gunther Oettinger, Germany's representative in the European Commission, has argued that complete net neutrality is unnecessary and in some cases dangerous.

He said that certain services, like those revolving around health and safety, should be given priority over websites like YouTube. Others argue that TV streaming services that require a fast connection to be viewed properly should be able to pay for the extra bandwidth.

Infrastructure

Another concern, especially for telecom companies, has been investment in infrastructure. The European Commission seems to have taken service providers' side in suggesting that companies requiring the use of high speed networks should somehow contribute to their upkeep.

With the rising popularity of online calling and messaging services like Skype and WhatsApp, service providers say higher wholesale charges are necessary in order to maintain the networks that keep those businesses afloat.

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Additionally, telecoms are asking the bloc to reform some of its competition rules, thus allowing providers to merge and combine networks.

Copyright Infringements

The ongoing battle between Google Inc GOOGGOOGL and the eurozone isn't likely to see resolution anytime soon as the bloc's policy makers are looking to tax the internet heavyweight for including copyright material in its searches.

The European Commission has said it is considering adding taxes in order to protect copyright laws, but that no firm decision has been made.