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Shaping Europe’s digital future
Press release | Publication

Commission reports on the implementation of the EU rules safeguarding open internet access

Today the Commission published its second report on the implementation of the Regulation on open internet access, which ensures that all users can benefit from online content and services without discrimination, prioritisation, restriction or interference from internet service providers.

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The findings of the report confirm that the Regulation continues to guarantee the essential balance between the protection of end-users' rights and the support of a competitive environment in the EU's Digital Single Market.

The report also points to the ongoing technological and market changes since the first report on the implementation of the Regulation on open internet access was issued in 2019. In light of these findings, the report identifies areas where further guidance on the application of the open internet access rules may be appropriate to ensure that such rules remain relevant in the future. For example, the report finds that, as the development of technology continues and innovative services emerge, such as transport automation or remote surgery, greater legal clarity in the interpretation of certain notions and definitions included in the Regulation could be beneficial to both innovators and end-users.

The ongoing technological and market changes are also subject of the exploratory consultation on the future of connectivity and infrastructure, which seeks stakeholders' views on how to help roll out the infrastructure needed to enable Europe to lead the digital transformation. The consultation runs until 19 May 2023.

The principle of the open internet has also been included in the European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles, which shows its continuing importance in the EU.