Tech Firms, Don't Fence Us In

Vitaly Friedman writes "A proposed broadcasting law by the European Commission that would regulate emerging media formats in the same way as traditional broadcasting companies draws fire from the companies who say they will be hurt by a one-size-fits-all mentality. From the article 'An alliance of companies, including ITV, Yahoo, Vodafone, Intel and Cisco Systems, warned that a European Commission proposal to impose rules for traditional broadcasters on new media providers could have "unintended consequences" and hurt investment.'"

Comments

The parallels are interesting

[LaughingCoder]

Media and technology companies warned Tuesday that new European Union broadcasting rules could restrict the growth of emerging media formats such as video broadcasts through the internet and mobile phones.

This discussion is somewhat reminiscent of the development and standardization of GSM cell phones in Europe back in the 80's and early 90's. I'm sure many of the same arguments were made on both sides of the issue. Of course in the US it was decided to let the market sort out the best cell phone technology. Now here we are in the US with multiple competing mobile formats. It is a complicated undertaking for a consumer to decide which mobile operator to choose -- there are coverage maps, different network capabilities, non-overlapping phone models. Add to that the fact that despite all this "competition" the cost to the consumer is fairly high compared to Europe.

So, which is the best way to go? Mandate these sorts of things early on, or let the market evolve? As a died-in-the-wool capitalist I like the idea of letting the market choose the winner. Unfortunately sometimes you end up with what we have in today's US cell phone market - no clear winner and confusion for the consumers.

Re:The problem

[JanneM]

Is that online content doesn't know about borders. If I post a hate filled advertisement for children in the United States, will I find myself hauled before a French court?

No. European newspapers, broadcasters and other media organizations are the only ones affected, of course.

And likewise, European media happily plastered Janet Jacksons nipple everywhere on the net (as an example of US prudish overreaction, but anyway) without any rebuke from your FTC - and there's plenty of more serious material available in the EU that would be illegal had a US entity posted the same thing.

Any entity can only enforce regulations within their purview. That doesn't mean it's pointless.

Re:As far as I understand

[jimbolauski]

The Goverment is trying to force regulations/censorship on companies who don't have the power to regulate all their content. Censoring the internet is next to impossible there's too much crap out there, all that will happen is now companies will become liable when little Jonney stumbles on something he shouldn't because mom/dad is passed out drunk/high and couldn't monitor their son's activities. Are elections in europe comming, because this sounds like an election year proposial so politicians can say I promoting a bill to protect your children from the evils of the internet.