The European Parliament will next week be voting on new rules of audiovisual media that aim to introduce better protection for viewers.

The revised legislation, that will apply not only to traditional broadcasters but also to video-on-demand and video sharing platforms such as Netflix, Facebook, YouTube and live streaming, also seeks to encourage innovation and promote European content.

The vote is scheduled for October 2, during the first plenary of the month.

The changed regime aims to take on board the dramatic changes brought by the internet to how we watch films, videos and TV shows.
 
Protecting viewers

As watching videos is one of children’s favourite activities on the internet, the new legislation includes proposals to better protect them, including reducing their exposure to publicity on unhealthy food and beverages and banning advertising and product placement for tobacco, electronic cigarettes and alcohol in children’s TV programmes and video-sharing platforms.

The new rules would also prohibit any content inciting violence, hatred and terrorism, while gratuitous violence and pornography would be subject to the strictest rules. Video-sharing platforms would also be responsible for reacting quickly when content is reported or flagged as harmful by users.

“It will be possible for adults to implement filtering software on the content of their children and also to have age verification software on content that may be harmful,” said German EPP member Sabine Verheyen, one of the MEPs responsible for steering these proposals through Parliament.

Advertising limits

The new rules would set limits for a maximum of 20% of advertising for the daily broadcasting period between 6.00 and 18.00, giving the broadcaster the flexibility to adjust their advertising periods.

European content

In order to increase cultural diversity and promote European content, the new legislation proposes that 30% of content of TV channels and VOD platforms would have to be European. This would apply to all European countries and not only EU ones.

“What we are experiencing today with the internet, videos and films available online, up until now hasn’t been regulated. This is why we needed to update the directive,” said German S&D member Petra Kammerevert, the other MEP in charge of Parliament’s position on these proposals.

Next steps

If Parliament approves the legislation, it would still need to be approved by the Council as well before it can enter into force.