Ofcom has today announced the outcome of the principal stage of its auction to release airwaves for 4G mobile and future 5G services in the 2.3GHz and 3.4GHz bands. In the auction, Vodafone spent the most of all operators, O2 acquired all of the available spectrum at 2.3GHz and and BT/EE's share of spectrum fell as per the auction rules.
Facebook’s privacy practices will now face thorough scrutiny
What started as criticism for not doing enough to spread disinformation online is now quickly escalating into inquiries about the way in which Facebook allows third parties to access its users’ data. Allegations that Facebook’s data have been misleadingly obtained, and used to profile approximately 50m users to run targeted political campaigns, have now prompted the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the company’s privacy practices.
The EC’s Digital Tax faces a long road ahead
The European Commission has today launched a new proposal to adapt the taxation system of the digital economy, in which value is created in countries where a business does not have a physical presence. The EC proposes to introduce a taxable “digital presence”, fulfilling one of three criteria (at least €7m turnover per year in an EU country; more than 100,000 users in a member state in a year; or more than 3,000 business contracts in a state in a year). It also proposes an “interim tax”, which will apply to revenues created from online advertising.
Telecom Italia approves network separation plan
On 6 March 2018, Telecom Italia (TIM)’s board approved a plan to move the company’s fixed network assets into a legally separated entity, which will still be part of the group and will be 100% controlled by TIM. According to the plan, access to the network will be granted through a ‘one-stop-shop’ access point for regulated and unregulated wholesale services for all operators including TIM, delivering a 'fully neutral and equivalent' model.
Stakeholders unhappy with spectrum deal as part of the EECC code
On March 1, 2018, the European Commission, the EU Parliament, and the EU Council reached a preliminary agreement on parts of the forthcoming European Electronic Communications Code, related to spectrum policy. The agreement includes the availability of spectrum for 5G in the EU by 2020; a 20-year period of ‘investment predictability’ for spectrum licences; and enhanced coordination and peer review of planned radio spectrum assignment procedures.
Tech companies should take down illegal content in one hour
The European Commission issued today a set of “operational measures” to tackle illegal content online. This also includes terrorist content and hate speech. Tech companies are recommended to follow a “one-hour-rule” to take down terrorist content and to implement faster detection systems, including automated ones. Tools should also be shared with smaller companies. Businesses will have to submit information to the EC about their compliance with this Recommendation within three months.
European Commission still unclear on how to tackle fake news
On 27 February 2018, the European Commission held the second multi-stakeholder meeting on the problem of fake news. The meeting is part of a series of events, and of a comprehensive initiative the EC is taking to address the issue. During the event, it was clear that the EC’s position is still far from being defined. On the other hand, the advertising industry is advocating for light-touch regulation and is defending its own ability to enforce self-regulation.
Policymakers turn their attention to fake news, hate speech and addiction
Tomorrow, the European Commission will host a colloquium in Brussels on the issue of “fake news”, which will see the participation of experts and industry representatives. This is very likely another step toward legislative intervention, which could come in the form of a Recommendation from the EC.
UK: Ofcom finalises Wholesale Local Access Market review
Ofcom has finalised the Wholesale Local Access market review. The draft statement reinforces many messages from last year’s consultation and crucially maintains a new charge control for Openreach’s anchor fibre product. A greater emphasis is being put on access to BT’s duct and pole network in light of the strong momentum towards full-fibre from broadband companies other than Openreach.
Consumer protection rules get stronger for big tech across the EU
In February 2018, the European Commission issued a statement outlining the progress made by the three main social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and Google+) toward improving consumer protection, based on the requirements it made in March 2017. The EC found that Facebook and, to some extent, Twitter, still have work to do to fulfil the requirements. The EC’s strengthened approach to consumer protection in online platforms is a further example of the increased regulatory scrutiny on tech companies. It also shows how the rules of the countries where their users are will prevail over those of the company’s establishment, in line with the principles set out in the General Data Protection Regulation.
