Netflix’s Chief Executive Pushes Net Neutrality in Europe

Speaking at a conference in Brussels, Netflix’s Reed Hastings -- who has been a vocal critic of plans that would allow Internet service providers to charge extra for faster connections on their networks -- laid out again why he opposed such deals.

“We shouldn’t have to pay for your network if you don’t have to pay for our content,” he told a conference audience filled with many of Europe’s largest telecommunications and broadband providers. “Why are so many people attracted to the concept of net neutrality? Because they fear the loss of the digital commons,” Hastings added. He said that no company should be “held hostage” by Internet service providers.

In Europe, opposition to paid access for improved Internet performance has been equally vocal. But in contrast to American policy makers, the European Parliament passed rules this year that outlawed efforts by Internet service providers to charge for better access to their networks. Final rules will be completed sometime next year, though analysts say the telecommunications industry is hoping to water down the current proposals.