The Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network of national consumer authorities requested Apple to align their practices with the EU's anti-geo-blocking rules.
"I believe that we must make much better use of the great opportunities offered by digital technologies, which do not know any borders. To do so, we will need to have the courage to break down national silos in telecoms regulation, in copyright and data
protection legislation, in the management of radio waves and in the application of competition law. That way, we can ensure that consumers can access services, music, movies and sports events on their electronic devices wherever they are in Europe." - Jean-Claude Juncker
The Internet has transformed the way we shop. However, persistent online barriers prevent us from enjoying the full access to the goods and services being offered by businesses in the EU. Since the launch of the Digital Single Market Strategy in May 2015, the European Union has been working to break down these barriers. This factsheet summarises what the EU has been doing to boost e-commerce and to create new opportunities for consumers, turning the Digital Single Market into a reality.
On 3 December 2018, new rules on geoblocking will enter into force. These measures part of a wider packet of measures under the Digital Single Market Strategy, aimed at boosting cross-border e-commerce in the European Union. These rules will ensure better access to goods and services offered online, create greater certainty for business and build trust amongst consumers and reduce transaction costs and the administrative burden for businesses.
Geoblocking makes it hard for online shoppers to buy from a website based in another EU country. This is why, in 2016, the European Commission proposed new rules to end discrimination on the basis of nationality or place of residence, as part of the Digital Single Market strategy. The new rules – which will enter into force as of 3 December 2018 – will ensure that consumers no longer face unjustified barriers such as being re-routed back to a country-specific website, or having to pay with a debit or credit card from a certain country.
The Commission has issued updated guidance for ending unjustified geo-blocking to help Member States and businesses active in the area of e-commerce to adapt to the new rules which start applying across the EU as of 3 December 2018.
The Geo-blocking regulation addresses the problem of customers not being able to buy goods and services from traders located in a different Member State for reasons related to their nationality, place of residence or place of establishment.
The new rules against unjustified geoblocking entered into force on 22 March 2018 and will be a reality for citizens as of 3 December 2018 – they will be able to find the best deals online when buying goods and services across the EU without being discriminated based on nationality and residence.
The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission reached a political agreement to end unjustified geoblocking for consumers wishing to buy products or services online within the EU. The new rules will boost ecommerce for the benefit of consumers and businesses who take advantage of the growing European online market.
