The evolution of Internet - a user-oriented approach

1. Internet

Internet constitutes an exceptional platform for innovation, economic growth, job creation and social communication. It has become the central nervous system of our information economy and society. With clear opportunities and challenges, there is an evident need for a political debate, as a matter of interest for citizens, businesses and States. For policy-makers, the main challenge is how to approach these issues preserving the extraordinary potential and the freedom of the Internet without impeding innovation. For us, the EPP Group, the question is to present what we stand for in a coherent and consistent manner.

2. Stronger users' rights

Private users' expectations focus on an open Internet which is easily accessible and where there is certainty about the way their personal information is managed. Users and not platforms or networks are the owners of personal information and they must be in full control of the information they provide. Social networks must inform users about the purpose and different ways in which they intend to process members' data.

3. More transparency, fairer competition

This Strategy Paper is the result of almost 6 months of work, exchanges with stakeholders, hearings, internal political discussions. This document aims to present what the EPP Group stands for and how we intend to strengthen our citizens' rights and secure a fair business environment on the Internet. We believe our action at EU level needs to follow three objectives: coherently apply the principle of transparency; strengthen users' online rights and guarantee fair competition on the Internet.

4. How do we get there?

Our strategy proposes 10 key actions to reach these 3 major objectives:

• Clarify international jurisdiction;
• Guarantee search neutrality;
• Ensure net neutrality;
• Clarify and harmonise data protection rules;
• Ensure users' rights in social networks;
• Guarantee user anonymity;
• Prohibit data profiling;
• Create a European Cloud
• Effectively protect IPR online
• Establish safeguards for quality journalism.

5. Launching a transparent debate - tell us what you think!

Next week's Hearing aims to present the EPP Group's strategy related to Internet issues and create a space where MEPs exchange with stakeholders and civil society. The presence of three major players like Facebook, Google and Microsoft will also be the occasion to publicly know their position on the key topics approached.






For further information:
Thomas Bickl, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +32-478-215372