New European Regulatory Framework of Audiovisual Media on-demand and Video Sharing Services. Its Implications in the Spanish Platforms Market

Abstract

This article analyses how the new European regulatory framework of audiovisual media on-demand and video-sharing services is configured, in the present context of intersection and convergence between television and Internet services. Furthermore, the characteristics  of the ten main video platforms which operate in the Spanish market are studied in order to forecast their adaptation to the new regulation. This implies to focus on the most relevant related aspects included in the 2018 EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive and the 2019 EU Copyright Directive, as well as the technological neutrality implications to ensure the access and distribution of information. It is concluded that the new regulatory framework applies to platforms similar rules to those that already regulate the 5.000 TV channels which operate in the EU, providing higher transparency, more protection for users and content creators, and non discrimination measures in access to contents. It is observed that the platforms object of study that operate in Spain will require an adaptation to the new European  audiovisual  environment,  particularly  in  everything  referring  to  contents  for minors, users’ age verification  and share of European content.