Activities of Daniel DALTON related to 2016/2276(INI)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on online platforms and the digital single market PDF (461 KB) DOC (84 KB)
Amendments (49)
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas digitalisation and new technologies havecontinue to changed forms of communication and the behaviour of consumers and companies;
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the evolving use of the internet and mobile devices has created new business opportunities and business models for all sizes of businesses;
Amendment 27 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the evolving development and use of internet platforms for a wide set of activities, including commercial activities and sharing goods and services, have changed the ways in which consumers, traders and other users interact with content providers;
Amendment 33 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the e-Commerce Directive exempts intermediaries from liability for content only if they play a neutral, merely technical and passive role in relation to the hosted contentwhere they have neither control nor knowledge in relation to the hosted content; whereas the preceding consultation showed broad support for the existing principles of the e-Commerce Directive;
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
Amendment 71 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Acknowledges that online platforms benefit today’'s digital economy and society by increasing the choices available to consumers and creating and shaping new markets; points out, howevconsider,s that existing and emerging online platforms can present newpolicy and regulatory challenges, just as existing and emerging business practices elsewhere in their respective sectors can present policy and regulatory challenges;
Amendment 85 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that, although many pieces of EU legislation apply to online platforms, it is frequently the case that they are not enforced properly or have not been adapted to the online worldparts of the acquis could benefit from being updated for developments of the online world, including opportunities for deregulation;
Amendment 97 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that there is currently no consensus on the definition ofit is impossible to define online platforms due to the multitude of different types of platforms, which may lead to fragmentation of the EU’s internal market and the variety of areas of activity they engage in;
Amendment 99 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Considers that, in view of the rapidly evolving markets and the diversity of platforms ranging from non-profit platforms to B2B platforms and encompassing different services, sectors and a vast variety of actors, there is no clear definition of platforms, and a 'one- size-fits-all' approach could seriously impede innovation and put European companies at a competitive disadvantage in the global economy;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the Commission’s ongoing work on online platforms, including consultations of stakeholders and carrying out an impact assessment; believes that an evidence-based approach to assessing the role of online platforms is essential;
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that, although online platforms operate within a highly diverse range of activities, such as e-commerce, the media, search engines, the distribution of cultural content, the collaborative economy and social networks, certain common features which can be used to identify these entities exist neverthelessnevertheless which negates the usefulness of a single definition, which could seriously impede innovation;
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Facilitating the sustainable growth of European online platforms in Europe
Amendment 131 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that online platforms use the internet as a means of interaction and act as facilitators between the demand and supply sides, to the benefit of users, consumers and businesses, particularly SMEs;
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that online platforms take advantage of the enormous and ever- increasing number of mobile deviceare increasingly available on mobile devices; emphasises that the necessary infrastructure investment should be incentivised to ensure connectivity across the Member States for current and future applications;
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that the increasingly widespread use of smartphones and tablets has further extended access to online platforms, thereby enhancing their role in the economy and society, particularly among young peoplusers and consumers wish to have access to online platforms and benefit from such access; considers this important for all citizens and businesses, not just those who are already active online, which requires a committed approach towards digital skills development at the national level, supported by European development assistance where appropriate;
Amendment 157 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Urges the Commission to continue to promote the growth of European online platforms and strengthenin the European market and facilitate their ability to compete globally; regrets the EU’s low share of market capitalisation on online platformsof European start-ups to scale up and compete globally via an effective and attractive regulatory environment in Europe; stresses the importance of removing obstacles that hamper the smooth operation of online platforms across borders and disrupt the functioning of the European digital internal market;
Amendment 168 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Recognises the significant benefits that online platforms offer for SMEs; notwelcomes the trading opportunities that online platforms encourage by allowing SMEs to access global markets without excessive investments in costly digital infrastructure;
Amendment 175 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Urges the Commission to prioritise actions that allow European start-ups and new European online platforms to emerge and to scale up; stresses that facilitating investments in start-ups is vital to the development of online platforms originating in Europe;
Amendment 182 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Notes that some online platforms realise the collaborative economy; welcomes the Commission communication on the collaborative economy, which supports the development of new business models; stresses that these new business models offer new services and, greater choice and empowerment for consumers as well as provideing flexibility for employees, bringing people back into employment who have found less flexible working impractical;
Amendment 195 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes that the current intermediary liability is one of the main concerns in the ongoing debateregime contained in the E- Commerce Directive received broad support in the public consultation on online platforms;
Amendment 210 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Believes that a clear-cut and level playing field is needed in order to allowguidance from the Commission on intermediary liability may assist online platforms to continue to comply with their responsibilities and the rules on liability;
Amendment 216 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes that certain stakeholders are dissatisfied with the current rules on liability and welcomesConsiders that the Commission’'s undertaking to publish guidelines on intermediary liability; calls onn help to guarantee that the E-Commission to draw attention to the differences between the online and offline world and to create a level playing field for comparable services online and offlineerce Directive provisions remain future-proof and technologically neutral; expresses caution that the Commission should not use guidelines to address perceived differences between the online and offline world which may, prima facie, appear comparable but in practical and technical terms may be very different situations;
Amendment 226 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Considers that the liability rules for online platforms should allow the tackling of issues related to illegal and harmful content in an efficient manner, for instance by respecting the duty of ca and notes with interest the intention of the Commission to prepare guidance on voluntary measures taken to address such content and the interaction of those measure,s while maintaining a balanced and business- friendly approachith liability rules, including cooperation between online platforms and law enforcement authorities;
Amendment 246 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses the need for online platforms to prevent illegal and inappropriate content and unfair practicesreact promptly to illegal content through regulatory, effective self- regulatory or hybrid measures; stresses the importance of online platforms playing a proaccomplimentary and cooperative role in tackling illegal and inappropriate content and taking immediate action to remove illegal or inappropriate content if such content slips through preventive monitoringcontent;
Amendment 259 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Considers that online platforms shouldmay develop more effective voluntary measures and technical means of identifying and eliminating harmful content, in particular in implementation of the Code of Conduct on illegal online hate speech agreed in 2016 and other voluntary and self- regulation measures; underlines that online platforms cannot substitute for effective enforcement of national or European laws addressing illegal content, particularly as private entities' actions cannot replace proper due process and the protections afforded for the free exercise of citizens fundamental rights; expresses concern that increasingly invasive obligations placed on online platforms may impinge on individuals rights of privacy and freedom of expression;
Amendment 276 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5
Subheading 5
Amendment 283 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Urges the Commission to ensure a level playing field for online platforms; stresses that regulatory certainty is essential to creating a thriving digital economy; notes that competitive pressures vary between different sectors and different actors within sectors, therefore ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions are rarely appropriate;
Amendment 286 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. UrEncourages the Commission to help ensure a level playing field for online platforms; stresses that regulatory certainty is essential to creating a thriving digital economy; notes that competitive pressures vary between different sectors and therefore ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions are rarely appropriate;
Amendment 297 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Draws attention to the fact that the size of online platforms varies from global giants to micro-enterprises; stresses the importance of fair and effective competition between online platforms to promote consumer choice and avoid the creation of monopolies that distort the markets; stresses that facilitating the switching between online platforms or online services is an essential measure in preventing market failures;
Amendment 300 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Underlines that possible reforms of the existing regulatory framework should concentrate on the harmonisation of rulessimplification, modernisation and reducing regulatory fragmentation; emphasises the need to avoid over-regulation, and where regulation proves necessary, to enforce rigorously principles of better regulation; stresses the importance of technology neutrality and having the samecoherence between rules that apply online and offline in equivalent situations;
Amendment 307 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Cautions against creating market distortions or barriers to market entry for online services by introducing new obligations to cross-subsidise particular legacy business models;
Amendment 311 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Underlines the importance of investments in infrastructure in both urban and rural areas; stresses that reliable high- speed networks are the precondition of offering and using online platform services; stresses the need for net neutrality and fair and non-discriminatory access to online platforms;
Amendment 317 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Underlines that the Internet of the future cannot succeed without users’ trust in online platforms, greater transparency, better control of ranking systems and advertising,; welcomes therefore the response to recent Eurobarometer studies which show the large majority of consumers understand how personalisation may affect the content they are served and the extent to which advertising is integrated into and online platform's respecting all applicable legislationservice;
Amendment 331 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Stresses the importance of transparency in relation to data collection and considers that online platforms must respond to users’ concerns by informing them more effectively about what personal data is collected and how it is shared and used, within the framework of the applicable European data regulations;
Amendment 340 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Underlines that the cross-border nature of online platforms represents a huge advantage in developing the Digital Single Market, but also requires better cooperation between national public authorities; asks the Commission to make better use of existing consumer protection services, which could provide identical andto collaborate and provide efficient consumer protection in relation to online platforms activities where those activities present true cross- border issues of concern; further notes the importance of the Cross-border Enforcement and Cooperation Regulation in this regard;
Amendment 350 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Encourages online platforms to provide clear, comprehensive and user- friendly ways of presenting their terms and conditions in order to enhance consumer protection and bolster trust, upon which platforms depend for survival;
Amendment 354 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Calls for an assessment of current legislation and self-regulation mechanisms to determine whether they provide adequate protection to consumers against the backdrop of the increasing number of complaints against and investigations opened by the Commission into several platforms;
Amendment 364 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls on the Commission to evaluBelieves thate platforms’' review systems and to put an end to certainre an aid to consumers and should not be misused by online platforms; considers that practices, such as fake reviews and the deletion of negative reviews in order to make platforms comply with existing obligationsmay mislead consumers and encourages platforms to be vigilant against such practices; notes that already only a minority of consumers believe online reviews to be reliable, which is to the disadvantage of the online platform and the products available on those platforms and does not contribute to consumer satisfaction; considers actions by platforms to build trust in those systems would enhance consumer protections and support growth in ecommerce;
Amendment 371 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
Amendment 410 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Stresses that a fair and innovation- friendly environment as well as investments in research and development are vital for generating new ideas and innovations; underlines the importance of open data for the development of new online platforms which benefit citizens and consumers; in this regard recalls the adoption of the revision of the Directive on Re-use of Public Sector Information in 2013 and the review of the implementation of this Directive which is due in 2018;
Amendment 417 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
Amendment 420 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Stresses that, in relation to this specific business model, the traditional reasoning inherent in EU competition law may no longer be fit for purpose EU competition law is based on sound and established principles which are fit for purpose for the digital economy when applied rigorously;
Amendment 430 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 a (new)
Paragraph 40 a (new)
40 a. Notes the intention of the Commission to study the B2B relationship between online platforms and their clients and awaits with interest the conclusions from this investigation; considers that adequate protections should be guaranteed to guard against unfair practices, in particular where these close down innovation or hinder competitive market entry;
Amendment 433 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Underlines that EU competition law and authorities need to guarantee a level playing field where appropriate, including in respect of consumer protection and tax issuand notes ongoing investigations into alleged anti- competitive practices;
Amendment 438 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Welcomes the efforts made by the Commission to fight tax avoidance and harmful competition and calls on the Member States and the Commission to propose further reforms to prevent tax avoidance practices in the EU;
Amendment 439 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
Amendment 453 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Regrets that the EU’s presence in the world market is barely felt, in particular due to the current fragmentation of the digital market, legal uncertainty and the lack of financing and capacity to market technological innovations, which make it difficult for European companies to become world leaders in this new economy compared to their rivals based in other jurisdictions;
Amendment 456 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Calls for the European institutions to ensure a level playing field betweenwork together to implement an effective and attractive regulation environment benefitting both European and non- European operators, in respect of taxation and similar questions, for examplewhich acts to the ultimate benefit of consumers through increased choice and greater competition;