| Author (Corporate) | European Commission |
|---|---|
| Series Title | COM |
| Series Details | (2015) 627 final (9.12.15) |
| Publication Date | 09/12/2015 |
| Content Type | Policy-making |
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The internet has become a key content distribution channel. In 2014, 49% of European internet users accessed music, video and games online and this is expected to grow in the future. Tablets and smartphones further facilitate such uses with 51% of individuals in the EU using a mobile device to connect to the internet. The rapid take up of online content services and increasing use of portable devices, including across borders, means that Europeans today expect to use online content services from wherever they are in the Union. One of the key objectives of the Commission's Digital Single Market strategy is to allow for wider online access to works by users across the EU. Cross-border portability concerns online content services to which consumers have lawful access, or content that they purchased or rented online in their country of residence and to which they want to continue to have access when travelling in the EU. Consumer demand for the cross-border portability of online content services is substantial and expected to grow. However, when people travel in the EU, they frequently cannot enjoy such cross-border portability or can do so only to a limited extent. The absence of, or problems with, cross-border portability of online content services in the EU results from the licensing practices of right holders and/or the commercial practices of service providers. This proposal aims to remove barriers to cross-border portability so that the needs of users can be met more effectively as well as promoting innovation for the benefit of consumers, service providers and right holders. The proposal introduces a common approach in the Union while maintaining a high level of protection for right holders. In doing so, it contributes to the functioning of the internal market as an area without internal borders, where the freedom to provide and to receive services shall be ensured. The proposal is presented together with a Commission communication, 'Towards a modern, more European copyright framework'. |
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| Source Link | http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM:2015:627:FIN |
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| Subject Categories | Business and Industry, Internal Markets |
| Countries / Regions | Europe |
