The European Parliament has voted to abolish geoblocking for news and current affairs in a move that will allow other content to remain blocked in other European Union countries.
The EP voted by 365 to 256 to allow users to access subscription news and current affairs outside their home nation, but the decision not to include other content – such as sport – is counter to the European Commission’s previous recommendations.
Last month, the EP, the European Council and the commission reached a political agreement to end geoblocking for consumers wishing to buy products or services online within the EU. However, the move reportedly does not include streaming services.
The final decision will go to the European Council once each member state has decided their position.
The Association of Commercial Television in Europe welcomed the decision, having previously said that the complete removal of geoblocking could reduce investment in sport, film and drama.
However, the European Broadcasting Union’s head of European affairs, Nicola Frank, said: “The SatCab regulation was originally devised to enhance the circulation of content in Europe and enable both consumers and Europe’s audiovisual sector to reap the benefits of the DSM. (This vote) goes against these intentions, maintaining a fragmented European audiovisual market and turning down enhanced access to European culture for citizens.”