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ARTICLE · 16 AUGUST 2018

Geo-Blocking: A Step In The Right Direction

RDJ LLP
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Geo-blocking is a system which restricts a user's access to the internet based on their geographical location.

IrelandMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Seán O'Reilly
Seán O'Reilly
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Geo-blocking is a system which restricts a user's access to the internet based on their geographical location. This undermines the concept of the single market among Member States, one of the core values of the EU, as it limits the consumer's ability to benefit from the advantages of online shopping and cross-border sales within the EU.

As of 3 December 2018, Regulation 2018/302 of 28 February 2018 (the "Geo-blocking Regulation") will be applied in order to put an end to unjustified geo-blocking as part of the European Union's Digital Single Market Strategy. The Digital Single Market Strategy strives to create an online single market where;

"The free movement of goods, persons, services and capital is ensured and where individuals and businesses can seamlessly access and exercise online activities under conditions of fair competition, and a high level of consumer and personal data protection, irrespective of their nationality or place of residence."

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