In Reforming Internet Laws, EU Will Challenge US Firms

Several US tech firms are facing accusations in Europe for carrying out unfair business practices that range from stifling competition to using loopholes to avoid paying taxes. However, as the region attempts to iron out its fractured telecom legislation, lawmakers are hoping to tighten restrictions on US firms by creating an entirely new entity to oversee foreign operations. Proposed Regulator The Wall Street Journal reported that Europe's Digital Commissioner Gunther Oettinger has prepared a document outlining a plan to create a new regulator that would oversee several US-based internet platforms. While the EU's telecom overhaul is expected to investigate the role of internet platforms throughout the bloc, creating a specific regulator is much more drastic than most were expecting. US Singled Out The document cautioned that several rapidly expanding internet platforms could soon become essential to Europe's economy, something that would give those firms a great deal of power over other European businesses. Included in the write-up was a list of 32 companies considered, 27 of which were US-based. Ensuring Fair Business Practices The EU regulator would be responsible for ensuring that the operations of said businesses were transparent and fair by monitoring operations and making sure that they don't put Europe's economy at risk. Among other things, the overseer would keep the platforms from discriminating against other businesses and resolve disputes. Proposal Far From Becoming A Reality The document, although concerning for US firms, is a long way from becoming a mandate in the EU. Later this month the region is expected to outline its general plan for reforming its digital sector, but all specific proposals like this one will need to be reviewed by the Commission and approved by Parliament.