Content creation and distribution in the digital single market

Abstract

Online content and carriage have always been interlocked. Yet, the current electronic communications markets and policy are tested by the sheer abundance of online content and its need for distribution through multiple channels and regardless of frontiers. Access to a wide variety of relevant content is key to democracy and the exercise of fundamental rights, just as the freedom to express oneself and disseminate and access content irrespective of means of communication is fundamental for pluralism. Moreover, content creation, distribution and consumption are increasingly occupying a crucial role for the success of online business and European competitiveness on the internet. Besides authors and media companies, internet users also increasingly generate content, which in turn contributes to the richness of diverse information available to European citizens, and beyond.