EU Says Telecoms Treaty Should Not Expand Web Regulation

The European Union will oppose attempts to increase regulation of the Internet at a United Nations conference in Dubai next month as some countries call for tighter rules on phone operators and Web service providers.

“Some non-EU countries have tabled proposals for a significant increase in the scope of the treaty and the regulatory burden on operators, including Internet service providers,” according to the political body representing 27 European nations. “The EU believes that there is no justification for such proposals and is concerned about the potentially negative impact on innovation and costs.”