Geo-Blocking of Copyrighted Material Across the EU

The free movement of goods and people across the EU does not apply to the purchase of television programmes, films or music. Unsurprisingly, TV broadcasters and film distributors are opposed to removing geo-blocking techniques, which prevent their services from being used on a cross border basis. However, a resolution adopted by the European parliament on July 9th has called for new EU wide legislation to create a more genuinely single European market for copyrighted content by the end of the year. It is pointed out that it is particularly unfair for minorities living in one EU country from being able to access content in their own language in another country. 

For now though, Brits abroad will have to wait a little longer to be able to access UK satellite sports stations and UK catch up TV from their villa retreats in Marbella.