Strasbourg, France – Today the European Parliament adopted an ‘own initiative’ report “Towards a Digital Single Market Act”. The report sets out the Parliament’s view on how to build a Digital Single Market.
The report covers a wide range of topics from ecommerce and skills to platforms and digital content. The Parliament lays out a vision of a digital enabled European economy and society with maximum opportunity for innovative businesses, particularly new entrants, and for consumers. It rightly also asks the Commission to ensure active participation of all citizens.
Of particular note are the calls for the Commission to maintain an innovation-friendly policy towards platforms and intermediaries and to maintain the limited liability of intermediaries to protect the openness of the internet, fundamental rights, legal certainty and innovation.
The following can be attributed to CCIA Europe Vice-President, James Waterworth:
“The European Parliament clearly expects the European Commission to build a Digital Single Market that opens markets to the benefit of citizens and innovative businesses, sometimes by being active, and sometimes by leaving well alone.”
“On the subject of online platforms, the Parliament wisely calls for the Commission to use existing legislation to tackle any problems that might arise and recommends innovation-friendly policy to ensure Europe makes a successful transition to an economy that is digital. Further, it confirms the view that the Ecommerce Directive is an EU success story that is key to the openness and vitality of the Internet.”
“The Commission will do well to heed the Parliament’s calls to ensure the digital single market benefits all elements of European society.”