European Commission, Communication, Online Platforms and the Digital Single Market: Opportunities and Challenges for Europe, COM(2016) 288 Final, May 25, 2016

The Communication apparently endorses the plan of maintaining the existing intermediary liability regime.  However, the Commission stresses that “a number of specific issues relating to illegal and harmful content and activities online have been identified that need to be addressed.” In this regard, the Commission would launch a “sectorial legislation … and problem-driven approach.”  Apparently, this sectorial action will target copyright-protected content, minors’ protection from harmful content, and incitement through hatred.  This should happen through a mix of legislative interventions—by updating the audiovisual and copyright regulations—and promotion of voluntary self-regulatory actions.  The Communication puts forward the idea that “the responsibility of online platforms is a key and cross-cutting issue.”