Online European subscribers to video streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Video and Sky will enjoy access the services when visiting other countries within the European Union under proposals approved by member states on Thursday.
EU executive, the European Commission (EC), presented the law last December in an effort to create a single market for such online services across the 28-member bloc. The proposal on portability of digital content will become law after it is approved by the European Parliament.
Thus, consequently subscribers to services such as Sky TV Now, ProSiebenSat.1MaxDome TV in Germany or Netflix in France, will have access to contents which have paid for despite being temporarily in another country within the EU.
“This means that citizens who are in another member state for purposes such as holidays or business trips can enjoy for example music, films, games or sporting events just like at home,” said Henk Kamp, Minister for Economic Affairs in the Netherlands, which holds the rotating EU presidency and managed the proposal.
What constitutes “temporarily” was left open, but member states specified that it is a “limited amount of time”.
The EC hopes that the proposal will enter into force in 2017, the same year that roaming charges for using mobile phones in other countries within the EU will be abolished.
On the other hand, it’s worth noting that public television broadcasters are not affected by the new rules, the Council of the EU said.
Asharq Al-Awsat English
Asharq Al-Awsat is the world’s premier pan-Arab daily newspaper, printed simultaneously each day on four continents in 14 cities. Launched in London in 1978, Asharq Al-Awsat has established itself as the decisive publication on pan-Arab and international affairs, offering its readers in-depth analysis and exclusive editorials, as well as the most comprehensive coverage of the entire Arab world.
Follow Me:
