The issue of whether a definition for online platforms is relevant, as suggested in the draft “Juvin/Virkunnen” report, is dividing MEPs.
During a joint meeting of the industry (ITRE) and consumer rights (IMCO) committees on 20 March, several MEPs spoke in favour of developing different categories.
The own initiative report by Philippe Juvin (EPP, France) and Henna Virkunnen (EPP, Finland) follows the Commission communication on the prospects and challenges for platforms in Europe. This communication was presented on 25 May 2016. It advocates a problems-based approach and encourages comprehensive self-regulation (see EUROPE 11558).
The draft report by Philippe Juvin and Henna Virkunnen focuses on the idea of introducing a definition for platforms and clarifying the obligations of intermediaries in this area. MEPs believe that the absence of a definition is one of the reasons for the current fragmentation of the internal market. Their point of view, however, is not shared by the ECR or Greens/EFA groups.
Anneleen Van Bossuyt (ECR, Belgium) stated, “An overly restrictive definition is unnecessary. This would run the risk of destroying innovation”. Speaking on behalf of the Greens, Julia Reda, from Germany, indicated that the definition in the e-commerce directive (2000/31/EC) was sufficient. Andreas Schwab (EPP, Germany) suggested introducing categories rather than a single definition.
With regard to the question of obligations, the draft report from the two MEPs welcomes the Commission’s plan to publish guidelines on the obligations of intermediaries. It does, nevertheless, draw attention to the differences between the “online” world and “off-line” worlds and creating the conditions for fair competition for comparative online and off-line services.
The report calls for an assessment of the legislation in force and current self-regulation mechanisms, “in order to work out whether they provide adequate consumer protection, with regard to the increasing number of complaints submitted to the Commission and the investigations opened by the latter into a number of platforms”.
The examination of the amendments will take place on 24 April and the vote, on 11 May. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)