According to a new EU report, lawmakers propose extending the rules which govern traditional telecom operators and Internet giants, operating instant messaging and cellphone services.
The future of #internet governance: clear rules & respect for rights & liberties,said MEPs https://t.co/sNdOOnrbj9 via @EP_Industry #IGF2016
— EC Net Technologies (@NetTechEU) December 12, 2016
The draft document reportedly stipulates that Internet firms offering communication channels over the web will have to gain users' consent and offer data protection and customer confidentiality.
WhatsApp, Skype set to come under new EU security rules — draft pic.twitter.com/FSChXPZU4T
— Internet News (@InternetNews19) December 12, 2016
Traditional telecoms services argue that web based instant messaging and phone call services are afforded more freedom and have fewer restrictions imposed on them, regulating how they operate. This, they argue, makes them harder to compete with.
But this could all change if the EU rules come into force, as they are expected to in 2018, meaning instant messaging services will be under more scrutiny.
New Rules: Coordination of internet censorship in the EU and US — Puppet Masters — https://t.co/d1wHrlA801 https://t.co/Ku2ZjfKGlD
— matthias branz (@BrabzMatthias) December 13, 2016
The EU is looking to introduce a separate law to regulate the big Internet firms that will ensure customer confidentiality and permission to track their location.
