Europe is considering removing current geo-restrictions on streaming platforms like Netflix or Prime Video. This would allow all Europeans to access the catalog of all member countries.
Open Netflix on your Connected TVyour smartphone or other and note some films and series. Now do the same thing, but from someone’s account in another European Union country. You will find that some titles will not be listed there, while others will be exclusive to the country you are in. Same on Prime Video For example. This is called the geoblockingOr geo-restriction. A procedure which is not new and which is gradually beginning to be called into question.
Of the video game publishers actually have the costs. In 2021, Capcom and Bandai, as well as Valve, which owns Steam, were fined €7.8 million for blocking Steam games in Europe. Valve appeals but the General Court of the European Union upholds the decision in September 2023. One sector is, however, completely excluded from the debates at present, that of streaming platforms that we were talking about earlier. Europe would like to change this.
Europe wants to remove geo-restrictions from streaming platforms like Netflix or Prime Video
In a report, the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Commission of European Parliament gives recommendations on this subject. “Regarding the extension to audiovisual content, the report highlights the potential benefits for consumers, particularly with regard to the availability of a greater choice of content across borders.” It also analyzes “the potential impact that such an extension of the field of application would have on the overall dynamics of the audiovisual sector”.
The latter, through groups like CreativityWorks! (CW), considers the possibility very dangerous. It brings together, among other things, the Professional Football League, Video Games EuropeL’International Union of Cinemas and the Federation of European Publishers. “Geo-blocking is one of the foundations of Europe’s creative and cultural sectors,” says CW. According to him, putting an end to it “would threaten 10,000 cinemas in Europe, access to more than 8,500 films on demand and up to half of European film budgets”.
In addition, streaming platforms like Netflix “could be forced to introduce significant increases” in their prices for more than 100 million Europeans. A disaster scenario that some see as a way to protect the interests of the members of the group. The report is well aware of the possible harmful effects of removing geoblocking. No decision has been made, however. Everything remains at the state of avenues of reflection and we will surely have to wait a few years before a possible concrete application.
Source: TorrentFreak