European Parliament votes to protect free and fair internet

The European Parliament took a major step towards enshrining net neutrality in law today, when the EU Parliament voted yes to a new Regulation for a Telecommunications Single Market.

Executive Director of Open Rights Group, Jim Killock said,

‘We’re delighted that the European Parliament has backed an open, free and democratic internet and we hope that the British government does the same. The Regulation means that for the first time net neutrality is properly defined and protected in law, making sure that all internet traffic is treated equally.’

Open Rights Group had previously raised concerns that the Regulation included provisions that would allow ISPs to charge more for “specialised services”, in effect allowing corporations to use their purchasing power to pay for a faster internet. However, amendments brought in by an alliance of Socialists, Greens and Liberals closed down loopholes that would allow the creation of a two-tier internet. The Regulation also includes reforms that will end data roaming fees across Europe.

The Regulation must now be approved by the Council of Member States. 

For more information, please contact Pam Cowburn, pam@openrightsgroup.org, 07749785932.