European Commission's proposal to tackle geo-blocking in the EU

Consumers are very often prevented from ordering a product in another Member State or faced with higher prices than local consumers just because of the country they come from. This is because some companies erect artificial barriers in what is supposed to be a borderless digital Single Market. This practice is called geo-blocking. In the EU, consumers should be able to purchase products and services from the retailer or supplier of their choice. This would increase choice, competition and bring prices down.

The following changes would strengthen the Commission’s proposal from a consumer perspective:

• Consumers should be informed upfront in the ordering process to which countries the trader delivers.
• Companies should join the EU platform for online dispute resolution.
• There should be an obligation for the universal acceptance of debit cards.
• In order to address geo-blocking practices in the audiovisual sector stemming from contractual restrictions, Article 6 should also apply to audiovisual services.
• Fines for infringements of this Regulation should be calculated on the basis of the company’s annual turnover.