ICC Statement on Regulating the Delivery of Audiovisual Content over the Internet
Publication date : 18/07/2007
With the growth of streaming audiovisual content delivered in packetized form over the Internet and mobile wireless, some countries and regions such as the European Union are considering the establishment of regulatory regimes for audiovisual content which would apply a number of restrictions more traditionally associated with broadcasting to all audiovisual media services, including the Internet and wireless services.
Existing broadcast rules regulate audiovisual, and especially television, content in various ways, including:
- protection from indecency and/other other social issues;
- obligations and/or restrictions regarding advertising of certain products, i.e. alcohol, tobacco, and ads directed at minors;
- protection of local cultures and the promotion of local producers;
- rights to legal remedies; and
- identification of commercial or sponsored content.
While this policy statement focuses on the extension of regulations to audiovisual services delivered over the Internet, in light of increased competition across platforms and technical advances that provide potentially unlimited capacity, business believes that traditional broadcasting regulation as a whole should be reviewed to determine its relevance vis-à-vis the underlying foundations which may no longer apply in the changing technological environment.
For further information, please contact
Ayesha HASSAN
Senior Policy Manager, Digital Economy
Tel:
+33 (0)1 49 53 30 13
ayesha.hassan@iccwbo.org