Too many restrictions for a digital future

Legislators are in danger of crippling the growth of a true European digital single market by imposing too many restrictions on copyright and licensing laws, writes James Waterwort

MANY European politicians praise the internet. Unfortunately, their lofty rhetoric often rings hollow. While calling for a strong digital agenda in one breath, the same politicians, supported by protectionist interests at home, often argue for putting a brake on the internet’s “disruption” by imposing strict new regulation.

Such double-talk is misguided. If Europe is to prosper in the 21st century its newly elected leaders need to embrace a positive, concrete pro-internet agenda. That means signing digital free-trade agreements and creating a true European digital single market out of today’s fragmented 28 national jurisdictions.