EU adopts rules to allow OTT roaming

EU citizens will soon be able to access their content while in another EU country. The new rules with the European Parliament’s approval on Thursday and earlier agreed upon with Council negotiators in February 2017, will enable EU citizens to use online video streaming services such as Netflix, HBO Go, Amazon Prime, Spotify, Deezer while in another EU country for a short period of time (holiday, studies or business). Online content service providers may take measures such as verifying ID cards, payment details, public tax information, postal address details or IP address checks to ensure that the subscriber has not permanently relocated to another EU country as mandatory copyright licenses may differ between countries. The new rules will only apply to online fee-based services. However, providers of free services can also make their content available EU-wide on the condition that they comply with the requirements relating to residency checks. Read More