Topic: Net Neutrality
Country: Austria
Delegate Name: Caroline Munson
School: Williamston High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Austria position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
Net neutrality is the idea that all information and data on the internet should be treated equally regardless of its content. In the past, online services could theoretically pay network providers to make sure that their products ran smoothly. The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications which represents all EU communication regulators has recently published guidelines concerning how telecom companies should treat their data. These new rules state that it is the right of the consumer to have free access to or distribute any information as long as it is not illegal. However, this can be cause for concern, as the government can look at your search history, emails and social media accounts which some deem an invasion of privacy. With the whole world at the fingertips of the user, anyone can look up, post, type or send any information which can be unsafe.
Presently, Austria does not have any laws regarding net neutrality. However, The Austrian Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting and Telecommunications (RTR) issued guidelines in May of 2013 that provides a basic perspective on the subject of net neutrality. The principles of the document ensure that any user can send and receive contents of their choice, entry and access to any legal information should be easy. Additionally there should be no reduction in quality of the product and no blocking of traffic, services or content. These principles make up the legal framework for net neutrality laws in Austria but have no established legal basis.
Recently, the EU has published guidelines concerning net neutrality laws for all EU nations. These guidelines aimed to strengthen net neutrality by making all internet service providers (ISPs) treat all internet content equally and not favor services over others. The principle of the document is to provide guidance on the implementation of net neutrality laws specific for each country in the EU. However, the regulations contained loopholes such as allowing ISPs to make the traffic of a “specialized service” faster than another by creating what is called a “fast lane”. Another loophole would have allowed for zero-rating which would exempt some services and apps from counting against monthly data limits. There needs to be harsh, clear laws that outline internet usage, the rights of providers, users and services and access to certain information on the internet. Laws that are specific to the situation of each nation, regarding the information that should not be easily accessible to people versus things that should and also the security of personal information. Austria would expect support from other EU nations that may or may not have guidelines published for their country but do not have specific laws.
