Certain government officials are seeking to prevent a European Union dictate that could possibly extend stricter broadcasting regulations to the internet, subsequently hitting popular video-sharing websites such as YouTube.
A recent report said that the European Commission proposal would require websites and mobile phone services that feature video images to conform to standards laid down in Brussels.
Critics fear that the directive would hit not only sites such as YouTube and MySpace but also amateur “video bloggers” who post material on their own sites. In the case of the proposed regulations, personal websites would have to be licensed as a “television-like service.”
Viviane Reding, the Media Commissioner, told The Times that the purpose is simply to set minimum standards on areas such as advertising, hate speech and the protection of children.
But Shaun Woodward, the Broadcasting Minister, described the draft proposal as catastrophic. “Supposing you set up a website for your amateur rugby club, uploaded some images and added a link advertising your local sports shop,” Woodward told the report. “You would then be a supplier of moving images and need to be licensed and comply with the regulations.”
Woodward proposed a compromise that requires EU states to agree on a new definition of what constitutes “television.” “It’s common sense. If it looks like a TV program and sounds like one then it probably is. A program transmitted by a broadcaster over the net could be covered by extending existing legislation.
“But video clips uploaded by someone is not television…YouTube and MySpace should not be regulated.”
“British criminal law already covers material that might incite hate or cause harm to children,” Woodward added. As it stands, the Government’s definition of online broadcasting covers feature films, sports events, situation comedy, documentary, children’s programs and original drama. It excludes personal websites and sites where people upload and exchange video images.
The Times reported that Woodward is seeking EU member state support for the British compromise. So far only Slovakia has pledged support, but Woodward believes that other nations will come onboard before a key EU Council meeting on November 13.
