Those of us who believe that politicians should keep their snouts out of the Internet trough were dismayed again last week when the European Commission attempted to get involved in content matters. However, based on its pushing of geographical, educational and cultural content, devotees of Britney Spears need hardly worry. Oops they did it again.

“The Internet offers a unique opportunity for content companies to outgrow their so far mostly national markets”, comments Commissioner Reding, responsible for Information Society and Media. “The ‘eContentplus’ programme will facilitate the production and distribution of online European content, thus stimulating innovation and creativity. At the same time it will help to preserve and share Europe’s cultural and linguistic identities and give them a more prominent place on the Internet. Today’s vote in Parliament allows reaching a budget which is substantially increased in comparison to the predecessor programme”.

In a statement, the EC says: “the new programme will concentrate on those parts of the digital content market where there is clear fragmentation in Europe, and where market forces alone so far have been insufficient to drive growth. It targets three domains: spatial (or geographical) data, educational material and cultural content.”

Unpleasant as it might seem, the mass of the population want music, video and (occasional, if casual) sex from their mobile phones and the Internet. Spatial, educational and cultural stuff won’t do that.

Such subjects are unlikely to get the kids on board. But Viviane tried, and has more chance than most of success since, despite the fact she comes from Luxembourg, she’s been in the EC kindergarten for years, she’s strong and she’s savvy. Best of luck, Viviane. You may need it. Scrap that: you do need it.
Jim Chalmers