The European Union is pondering restrictions on online streaming services that would compel them to feature more locally made content.
The proposed changes could require the likes of Netflix and Amazon to reinvest a percentage of their earnings in European countries on local content.
While many EU countries have laws in place that require broadcasters to give back around 20% of their earnings to fund local programming, this rule doesn’t currently apply to streaming services established in another country.
“The way we watch TV or videos may have changed, but our values haven’t,” said EU Digital Commissioner Günther Oettinger, (via BBC).
“We also want to ensure a level-playing field, responsible behaviour, trust and fairness in the online platforms environment.”
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While the plan could ensure some much-needed investment in European cinema, there would be ways in which Netflix could get around the rules, should they come into play.
The company could load up on cheap archive content (think old series’ of The Bill in the UK), or simply cull some of its non-EU content from subscriber’s libraries.
“This will have a positive impact on cultural diversity and bring more opportunities for European creators,” said the EU civil service.
Netflix says: “Our members around the world love European programming, that’s why our investment in European programming – including Netflix original titles created in Europe – is growing.”
Last week the EU was seeking to relax licensing laws to enable streaming subscribers to take local content with them.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.