On the network security issue, the commission wants comments from governments, businesses, and consumers about their experiences and possible responses to cyber incidents that cause disruption to essential network and information systems, such as the internet.
The commission is preparing a legislation proposal on network and information security that will form a part of the EU Strategy on Cybersecurity expected later this year. The feedback could be incorporated into a future risk management and security breach reporting requirement for businesses. The consultation runs until Oct. 12.
The European Commission is also asking for public input on “net neutrality” questions. In particular, the commission is seeking views on internet traffic management, including congestion management, managed services and privacy issues; transparency, in particular regarding the actual internet performance (speed and quality) and restrictions of internet access products; the possibility for consumers to switch operators; and internet interconnection issues between network operators.
The consultation, which runs until Oct. 15, was spurred by a report prepared by the Body of European Regulators of European Communications, which warned about the “questionable” and “inappropriate” use of internet traffic management and differentiation practices.