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Regulation News

UK: The Online Safety Act is now law; Ofcom’s powers as online safety regulator have officially commenced
posted on 03 November, 2023   (public)
Ofcom publishes implementation roadmap outlining its systemic approach News item updated with link to consultation on illegal harms On 26 October 2023, the Online Safety Bill, which aims to establish a new regulatory regime to address illegal and harmful content...
Ofcom (UK): call for evidence on the future of TV distribution
posted on 25 October, 2023   (public)
A call for evidence to better understand the impact of internet and how to adapt broadband networks Internet has changed the ways users watch TV programmes, creating a wide range of content but a more fragmented experience. The UK Government has asked the regulator Ofcom to...
IMC (XK*): new chairman
posted on 11 September, 2023   (public)
Jeton Mehmeti was elected Chairman of the Independent Media Commission from Kosovo* Former member of the Independent Media Commission that he joined in 2022, Jeton Mehmeti was elected Chairman on 7 June 2023 for a two-year mandate. With a long experience in media as a...
DSA: Provisions on VLOPS enter into force
posted on 06 September, 2023   (public)
Online harms on major online platforms: the Commission now officially in the game On 25 August 2023, the provisions of the Digital Services Act applying to very large online platforms and search engines (respectively VLOPs and VLOSEs) entered into force. For the first...
Arcom's report on 'hateful content online & platforms': more efforts are needed
posted on 28 August, 2023   (public)
Very Large Online Platforms: efforts to comply with the Digital Services Act must be consolidated In July 2023, the French media regulator Arcom released a report on hateful content online, as requested by the French law of August 24, 2021*. Based on observations and...
Regulation of online media providers: Greek Council of State submits preliminary reference to CJEU
posted on 28 August, 2023   (public)
Shall the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive* lead to an extension of provisions applying to traditional broadcasters to online broadcasters? The Council of State, the Greek supreme administrative court, in its decisions 1349/2023 and 1350/2023, has recently referred...
A media guide on how to report on sexual abuse involving minors.
posted on 21 July, 2023   (public)
Raising awareness, showing empathy and promoting collective responsibility: the role played by journalists when reporting on sexual violence against children. As part of a project carried out by the World Vision Romania Foundation and the associations Vedem Just and Ecpat...
Ofcom: call for evidence on research to categorise regulated services
posted on 18 July, 2023   (public)
Preparing to regulate Online Safety On 11 July 2023, Ofcom published a call for evidence on the research it needs to carry out to prepare advice for the UK Government on categorising regulated services under new Online Safety laws. The Online Safety Bill, which is...
MPM 2023: Media Pluralism Monitor published
posted on 06 July, 2023   (public)
This year's overall results show a continuity with previous mappings despite an increase of the risk associated with market plurality        The Media Pluralism Monitor (MPM) is a project co-funded by the European Union and...
Reuters Digital News Report 2023: a declining engagement and an uncertain business environment
posted on 04 July, 2023   (public)
Online platforms: inevitable partners in the battle for attention? The 12th edition of the Reuters Digital News Report was released on 21 June 2023. It covers 6 continents and 46 markets and emphasises the complex platforms environment and the shift in behaviour...
Arcom (FR): Summary of the public consultation on researchers' access to platform data
posted on 29 June, 2023   (public)
New data access mechanisms are required to tackle inconsistencies, ensure transparency and secure sensitive data    In May 2022, Arcom launched a public consultation on access to data from online platforms for research purposes. The French...
AKOS (SI): a new Director General
posted on 27 June, 2023   (public)
A new Director General for the Slovenian authority On 9 June 2023, Mr. Marko Mišmaš was appointed by the government to the position of Director of the Agency for Communication Networks and Services of the Republic of Slovenia (AKOS), for a period...
Online platforms and harmful content: Slovak regulator investigates users' reporting mechanisms
posted on 27 June, 2023   (public)
Failures and lack of transparency: the Slovak regulator investigates the role played by platforms in the spread of harmful content   Following the terrorist attack in Bratislava outside a LGBTQ+ bar on 12 October 2022, the Council for Media Services (CMS) published a...
EPRA/Cullen International joint event in Brussels: New Podcast
posted on 16 June, 2023   (public)
Tune in to an exciting podcast featuring a discussion with Maria Donde on the impact of adtech and platformisation on public interest media   On 29 March 2023, EPRA organised a joint event with Cullen International "Media...
Mental health: the role of media literacy – A study by Ofcom (UK)
posted on 12 June, 2023   (public)
Impact of online life on mental health: what could be the role of media literacy?   As part of the Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK – from 15 to 21 May 2023 –, UK regulator Ofcom has published a study "Listening to experts: Mental...
Disinformation: AEM Croatia publishes landmark study
posted on 22 May, 2023   (public)
A comprehensive, well-structured report to inform public policy to strengthen resilience to disinformation On 8 May 2023, the Agency for Electronic Media (AEM), the Croatian media regulatory authority, released the English edition of the study “...
Investigating the role of online platforms before/after the Bratislava shooting - Slovak regulator publishes report
posted on 16 March, 2023   (public)
A concise, well structured report deploring slow and inadequate content moderation, pointing at the shortcomings of online platforms, and calling for more consistent and enforceable regulatory oversight On 9 March 2023, the Council for Media Services in...
Maria-Monica Gubernat appointed President of the Romanian authority
posted on 09 March, 2023   (public)
Maria-Monica Gubernat confirmed as President of the Romanian authority   On 8 March 2023, the Romanian Parliament has appointed Maria-Monica Gubernat, former Vice-President Ad Interim, President of the National Audiovisual Council (NAC). Valentin-Alexandru...
Unhealthy food and regulation: a public consultation and a charter
posted on 01 March, 2023   (public)
Unhealthy food behaviour & regulation: focus on Ofcom’s consultation (UK) and Arcom’s Charter (FR)   According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity rates have reached “epidemic” proportions across Europe, leading to increasing health...
Ofcom (UK): new report on emissions of OTT and DTT services
posted on 20 February, 2023   (public)
Climate change and increasing energy costs: the carbon impact of TV distribution   Ofcom recently commissioned a research from Carnstone to look at the energy consumption between Over-the-top (OTT) and Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) services...
Media literacy and evaluation: Ofcom releases toolkit
posted on 20 February, 2023   (public)
Assessing the impact and sharing the learnings to strengthen the media literacy sector Developed within its media literacy programme “Making Sense of Media” (MSOM), Ofcom's toolkit was designed as a practical guide to allow all media literacy practitioners,...
ARCOM (FR) welcomes two new Board members
posted on 10 February, 2023   (public)
Recent appointments reinforce ARCOM's expertise in the French audiovisual sector Further to a Decree of 6 February 2023, two new members have recently joined the Board of ARCOM (“Autorité de régulation de la communication audiovisuelle et...
UNESCO: Guidelines for regulating digital platforms & Global Conference
posted on 08 February, 2023   (public)
A multistakeholder systemic regulatory approach under the supervision of independent regulatory bodies   EPRA input: Maria Donde, EPRA Chairperson Ad Interim, will represent and intervene on behalf of EPRA at the conference. In this regard, please feel free to send...
Ireland: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill signed
posted on 18 January, 2023   (public)
A new multi-person authority to regulate media services Signed into law on 10 December 2022, the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 transposes the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive and establishes the Coimisiún na Meán (Media Commission). ...
Latest reactions to the war in Ukraine: update
posted on 16 January, 2023   (public)
A new package of sanctions by the EU and further measures taken by some media regulators The EPRA Secretariat continues to monitor the various measures taken by media NRAs in the EPRA network and by the European Union. Since our last news on 9 June 2022, here are some updates...
Protection of children online: Ofcom publishes call for evidence
posted on 13 January, 2023   (public)
New call for evidence focuses on harmful legal content On 10 January 2022, Ofcom published a call for evidence focused on the protection of children online. This call for evidence is now open, with written responses accepted until 21 March 2023.   Ofcom is seeking...
CSA (BE) reports on consumption patterns of audiovisual media services
posted on 13 January, 2023   (public)
While TV remains the most popular mode of consumption in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, VOD is now indispensable for French-speaking Belgians For the 2nd time, the CSA (BE) has released, in English, the results of its study on the patterns of consumption of audiovisual...
Media concentration & plurality: key trends from the Dutch Media Monitor 2022
posted on 05 January, 2023   (public)
New edition of Dutch Media Monitor confirms the shift to online and stresses crucial need for high quality news and information content   The Dutch Media Monitor closely monitors media developments in the Netherlands and provides insights into media...
New Vice President (ad interim) for the Romanian National Audiovisual Council
posted on 19 December, 2022   (public)
On 15 December 2022, Ms. Maria Monica Gubernat, Member of the Council, was appointed by the members as interim Vice President of the Romanian regulatory authority, the National Audiovisual Council (NAC). Ms. Gubernat suceeds Mr. Nicolaie Bălașa-Sorescu, who...
Media plurality and online news: Ofcom publishes report
posted on 18 November, 2022   (public)
The impact of online intermediaries on the assessment and regulation of media plurality: an in-depth analysis of Ofcom As part of a process launched in Summer 2021, Ofcom published, on 16 November 2022, a discussion document to take into account the role played by online...

Archived Regulation News

Danish Radio and Television Board opens new proceedings in Roj TV case
posted on 09 February, 2012   (public)
On 10 January 2012, the Copenhagen Municipal Court  delivered a verdict in the case vs. ROJ TV and Mesopotamia Broadcast A/S, METV. The court ruled that ROJ TV and Mesopotamia Broadcast are in violation of the Penal Code's provisions about terrorism. More...
Irish BAI consults on Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs
posted on 02 February, 2012   (public)
On 1st February 2012, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has launched a public consultation on a Draft Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs. The draft code sets out the underpinning principles and a range of more specific rules...
MEDIADEM case study reports: Does media policy promote media freedom and independence?
posted on 01 February, 2012   (public)
14 case study reports discussing the policy processes and the regulatory tools that have a bearing on the development of free and independent media  have been published by MEDIADEM. MEDIADEM (European Media Policies Revisited: Valuing & Reclaiming Free and...
Protecting audiences in the era of convergence and Connected TV : Ofcom Research
posted on 25 January, 2012   (public)
On 25 January, Ofcom, the UK communication regulator, published new research which explores viewers’ attitudes to content regulation, as online and traditional broadcast TV services converge, especially with the development of Connected TV. In addition, Ofcom Chief...
Ofcom's 6th International Communications Market Report published
posted on 15 December, 2011   (public)
Ofcom’s annual International Communications Market Report was published on 14 December. This is Ofcom’s sixth International Communications Market Report into the global communications market, and it looks at take-up, availability and use of broadband, landlines,...
Slovenia transposes AVMS Directive
posted on 06 December, 2011   (public)
After years of failed attempts to reform the media laws, Slovenia has finally got the act transposing the AVMS Directive into the national law. The adoption of the Act on Audiovisual Media Services, which entered into force on 17 November 2011, was crucial due to the...
INDIREG study on independence of regulators published at last
posted on 15 November, 2011   (public)
The long-awaited final version of the study on "Indicators for independence and efficient functioning of audiovisual media services regulatory bodies for the purpose of enforcing the rules in the AVMS directive" was published on 14 November 2011. This very...
EU Commission establishes a high-level group on freedom and pluralism of the media
posted on 11 October, 2011   (public)
On 11 October 2011, the European Commission announced the creation of an independent high-level group which will draw up a report for the respect, protection, support and promotion of media freedom and pluralism in Europe. The group convened by Neelie Kroes will be chaired...
UK media regulators launch parents website
posted on 11 October, 2011   (public)
On 11 October 2011, UK media regulators launched ParentPort, a new website aimed at helping parents make their views heard on issues relating to programmes, adverts, products and services. ParentPort has been set up to make it easier for parents to complain about material...
Digital Agenda: further action needed to safeguard children - Commission report
posted on 13 September, 2011   (public)
In a report presented on 13 September, the European Commission reviewed how Member States are implementing EU Recommendations ensuring that children can enjoy the digital world confidently and safely. Member States and industry are increasingly making efforts to implement EU...
Survey on the business models for the on-demand audiovisual media services which are active in the French market
posted on 18 August, 2011   (public)
The French audiovisual regulator (CSA) published a report on the business models for on-demand audiovisual media services that are active in the French market. The survey deals with the cost and revenues models, as well as contracting practices binding the various...
Connected TV : proceedings of CSAs conference
posted on 18 August, 2011   (public)
The regulatory authority in France (CSA) has organised a conference on connected television in April 2011. The proceedings of the conference are now available on the CSAs website. The development of connected television, as well as its economic, social and cultural...
CJEU: The Italian subsidy for DTT receivers constitutes State aid
posted on 17 August, 2011   (public)
The Court of Justice of the European Union, by its judgment dated 28 July 2011, confirmed that the Italian subsidies for the purchase of digital terrestrial decoders in 2004 and 2005 constitute State aid which is incompatible with the common market. Specifically, by its...
Survey on the business models for the on-demand audiovisual media services which are active in the French market
posted on 22 July, 2011   (public)
The French audiovisual regulator (CSA) published a report on the business models for on-demand audiovisual media services that are active in the French market. The survey deals with the cost and revenues models, as well as contracting practices binding the various...
OSCE Report on Freedom of Expression on The Internet
posted on 10 July, 2011   (public)
In 2010, the Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media of the OSCE commissioned a report to assess Internet regulation among its Member States. Considering the global nature of the Internet, as well as the lack of harmonisation at international level, many States...
CJEU ruling on surreptitious advertising - Case C-52/10
posted on 09 June, 2011   (public)
On June 9, 2011, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled on an issue concerning surreptitious advertising, following a preliminary ruling from the Greek Council of State in the proceedings of "Eleftheri tileorasi AE Alter channel and Konstantinos Giannikos,...
Belgian CSA consults on the scope of the regulation of AVMS
posted on 12 May, 2011   (public)
Public consultation opened until 1 September On 6 May 2011, the CSA of the French Community of Belgium launched a public consultation on the scope of regulation applicable to Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS), i.e. in addition to traditional television and radio services,...
French CSA organises a conference on connected TV
posted on 03 May, 2011   (public)
The French regulatory authority, the Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel, organised a conference on connected TV on 28th April, bringing together the major players and stakeholders of the French audiovisual area. All texts and presentations (including videos) are...
Internet-Connected and Hybrid Television : EBU adopts core Principles
posted on 15 April, 2011   (public)
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) adopted on 15 April Principles for Internet-Connected and Hybrid Television which, if applied, could deliver lower costs, greater choice and a better viewing experience for consumers. The principles are also meant to allow broadcasters...
CJEU: Advocate General gives opinion on advertising case
posted on 12 April, 2011   (public)
Case C-281/09: Commission v Spain On 7 April 2011, Advocate General Yves Bot delivered his opinion in case C-281/09: Commission v Spain on the notions of "advertising spots" and "other forms of advertising" under the Television without Frontiers...
AVMSD Implementation
posted on 31 March, 2011   (public)
Commission seeks information from 16 Member States The Commission has finished a preliminary analysis of measures notified by 16 Member States to implement the AVMS Directive in their national law. On the basis of this analysis, the Commission is sending follow-up...
Belgian CSA meets new Tunisian authorities
posted on 29 March, 2011   (public)
The Belgian CSA accompanied a delegation of the Communauté Wallonie Bruxelles (French Community of Belgium) in Tunisia on 22 and 23 March to show support for the democratic transition underway in Tunisia. Composed of different personalities of the CSA, the delegation...
Latest report of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
posted on 24 March, 2011   (public)
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, delivered her second regular report on the status of media freedom within the OSCE region to the OSCE Permanent Council on 17 March 2011, one year after assuming the post. The 22 pages document contains many...
Digital radio in L band: consultation of the French CSA
posted on 24 March, 2011   (public)
In order to have a better insight into the projects and expectations of the French market stakeholders and with the aim to possibly launch a call for applications for the service providers, the French CSA has just launched a public consultation on the broadcasting of digital...
Council of Europe consults on search engines and social networking services
posted on 06 March, 2011   (public)
The Council of Europe's expert committee on new media is preparing draft recommendations of the Committee of Ministers to its 47 member states on the protection of human rights with regard to search engines as well as on measures to protect and promote the respect of...
BAI announces decision to permit paid product placement on Irish Television
posted on 01 March, 2011   (public)
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has recently announced the decision to permit paid product placement on Irish television. So far, only placement of significant value but without payment (Free Placement) was permitted in all programming in Ireland.This decision...
Events of major importance: key rulings by General Court
posted on 17 February, 2011   (public)
On 17 February 2011, the General Court delivered two long-awaited rulings in cases T-385/07, T-55/08 and T-68/08 (FIFA and UEFA v Commission) which dealt with the UK and Belgian lists of events of major importance for society. The Court confirmed that Member States had a...
Ofcom launches logo for Product Placement
posted on 14 February, 2011   (public)
Following the footsteps of the broadcasting regulators in Belgium and France, Ofcom just launched the logo that TV channels must use to signal to viewers when a UK-produced programme contains product placement on 14 February. Product placement will be allowed in UK...
Revision of the ECTT officially discontinued
posted on 04 February, 2011   (public)
In a letter addressed to Thorbjørn Jagland, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Neelie Kroes, vice-President of the European Commission, recently confirmed the position of the European Commission with regard to the draft second amended protocol to the...
On-demand services: Decision of French CSA concerning the protection of minors, ethics and accessibility of programmes
posted on 05 January, 2011   (public)
The Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel (CSA), the French regulatory authority, has recently adopted a decision concerning the protection of minors, ethics and the accessibility of programmes on audiovisual media services on demand. The decision extends the...