Online retailers may be in breach of EU laws

The European Commission has warned online retailers they could be in breach of EU anti-competition legislation by refusing to sell goods and digital content to consumers living abroad.

It follows the preliminary findings of a major new study which revealed the problem of geo-blocking is widespread across the EU.

The report found most companies who engage in the practice make a unilateral decision not to sell to consumers abroad. However, some firms cite contractual obligations for preventing consumers from shopping online across EU borders.