Policy Observatory

On 23 July 2014 the European Commission Directorate General Internal Market and Services (DG MARKT) published Summary Report of the Responses to the public consultation on the review of the EU copyright rules. The consultation held between 5 December 2013 and 5 March 2014 was part of the European Commission’s effort to review and modernise copyright rules in the EU and to adapt the current system to the digital age.

Our duty as lawmakers is to find a balance between creators and the justified interests of society. Yet that balance is changing. Transforming technology is changing how people use and re-use information. And disrupting a longstanding legal framework. What should a sound EU copyright system do?

The Court decision highlights the urgency of reform. The ruling on the right to be forgotten is a milestone in the enforcement of European citizens' fundamental right to data protection. The Court had to step in and take a stance because Europe lacks modern data protection rules that are fit for the internet age.

The recent ruling by the European Court of Justice on the right to be forgotten does not give the all-clear for people or organisations to have content removed from the web simply because they find it inconvenient. Far from it. It calls for a balance between the legitimate interests of internet users and citizens' fundamental rights. A balance that will have to be found in each case.

Ministers and Internet leaders including @NeelieKroesEU will discuss the theme "Connecting Continents for Enhanced Multi-stakeholder Internet Governance". The 9th IGF will also address topics raised at the NETmundial conference in Brazil earlier this year, including net neutrality, the role and responsibilities of different stakeholders, jurisdiction issues and the application of Internet governance principles. IGF participants will also respond to the NETmundial statement.

Access to internet is critical for fundamental freedoms and economic development. Continued access to a free and open internet depends on effective governance. In the wake of large-scale internet surveillance and reduced trust in the internet, governance of the internet must become more transparent, accountable and inclusive. 2014 is a critical year for global internet governance.