Skip to main content
Log in

Self- and Co-regulation in the mediamatics sector: European community (EC) strategies and contributions towards a transformed statehood

  • Articles
  • Published:
Knowledge, Technology & Policy

Abstract

As the global communication network matures, the systems and procedures for regulating the growing network and its use are being challenged. The general proliferation of services or the specific demand for electronic transactions require guidance and control which the market alone cannot supply. Meanwhile, traditional regulatory regimes remain far from global or coherent. This article distinguishes between coordination and regulation to clarify areas where government intervention is unnecessary and where indispensable. It explores the current patchwork of regulatory approaches, reviews different regulatory areas and strategies, identifies trends, and highlights problem areas particular to electronic commerce and third party protection.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ayres, I. and Braithwaite, J. (1992). Responsive Regulation. Transcending the Deregulation Debate. New York/Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baldwin, R. and Cave, M. (1999). Understanding Regulation. Theory, Strategy, and Practice. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bellamy, C. and Taylor, J.A. (1998). Governing in the Information Age. Buckingham: Open University Press

    Google Scholar 

  • Bird & Bird and Carat Crystal (2002). Rapport final. Étude sur le développement des nouvelles techniques publicitaires. http://europa.eu.int/comm/avpolicy/stat/studpdf/pub_rapportfinal.pdf (28 August 2002).

  • Boddewyn, J.J. (1988). Advertising Self-Regulation and Outside Participation. A Multinational Comparison. New York: Quorum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Borrmann, J. and Finsinger, J. (1999). Markt und Regulierung. Munich: Vahlen.

    Google Scholar 

  • Campbell, A.J. (1999). “Self-Regulation and the Media,” Federal Communications Law Journal, 51 (3), 711–771.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cane, P. (1987). “Self Regulation and Judicial Review,” Civil Justice Quarterly, 6, 324–347.

    Google Scholar 

  • Castells, M. (2000). The Rise of the Network Society. The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture. Vol. I, 2nd ed. Oxford: Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • COM (1997) 623. “Green Paper on the Convergence of the Telecommunications, Media and Information Technology Sectors, and the Implications for Regulation—Towards an Information Society Approach.”

  • COM (1999) 108. “Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions—The Convergence of the Telecommunications, Media and Information Technology Sectors, and the Implications for Regulation—Results of the Public Consultation on the Green Paper.”

  • COM (1999) 657. “Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Principles and Guidelines for the Community’s Audiovisual Policy in the Digital Age.”

  • COM (2000) 239. “Communication from the Commission—The Results of the Public Consultation on the 1999 Communications Review and Orientations for the New Regulatory Framework.”

  • COM (2001) 130. “Interim Report from the Commission to the Stockholm European Council. Improving and Simplifying the Regulatory Environment.”

  • COM (2001) 161. “Communication from the Commission on Widening Consumer Access to Alternative Dispute Resolution.”

  • COM (2001) 428. “European Governance. A White Paper.”

  • COM (2001) 527. “Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on Actions Taken Following the Resolutions on European Standardisation Adopted by the Council and the European Parliament in 1999.”

  • COM (2001) 531. “Green Paper on European Union Consumer Protection.”

  • COM (2001) 534. “Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Certain Legal Aspects Relating to Cinematographic and Other Audiovisual Works.”

  • COM (2002) 196. “Green Paper on Alternative Dispute Resolution in Civil and Commercial Law.

  • COM (2002) 278. Communication from the Commission. Action plan “Simplifying and improving the regulatory environment.”

  • Commission Directive 2002/77/EC of 16 September 2002 on competition in the markets for electronic communications networks and services. Official Journal L 249, 17/9/2002, 21–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Commission Recommendation 2001/310/EC of 4 April 2001 on the principles for out-of-court bodies involved in the consensual resolution of consumer disputes. Official Journal L 109, 19/4/2001, 56–61.

    Google Scholar 

  • Commission Recommendation 98/257/EC of 30 March 1998 on the principles applicable to the bodies responsible for out-of-court settlement of consumer disputes. Official Journal L 115, 17/4/1998, 31–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Council Conclusions of 1 March 2002 on standardisation. Official Journal C 66, 15/3/2002, 1–2.

    Google Scholar 

  • Council Conclusions on the role of self-regulation in the light of the development of new media services. Official Journal C 283, 6/10/1999, 2–3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Council Decision 93/465/EEC of 22 July 1993 concerning the modules for the various phases of the conformity assessment procedures and the rules for the affixing and use of the CE conformity marking, which are intended to be used in the technical harmonization directives. Official Journal L 220, 30/08/1993, 23–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Council Directive 2000/79/EC of 27 November 2000 concerning the European Agreement on the Organisation of Working Time of Mobile Workers in Civil Aviation concluded by the Association of European Airlines (AEA), the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), the European Cockpit Association (ECA), the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) and the International Air Carrier Association (IACA). Official Journal L 302, 1/12/2000, 57–60.

  • Council Directive 96/34/EC of 3 June 1996 on the framework agreement on parental leave concluded by UNICE, CEEP and the ETUC. Official Journal L 145, 19/06/1996, 4–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Council Directive 97/81/EC of 15 December 1997 concerning the Framework Agreement on part-time work concluded by UNICE, CEEP and the ETUC. Official Journal L 014, 20/01/1998, 9–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Council of Europe (2001). Recommendation Rec (2001) 8 of the Committee of Ministers to Member States on Self-Regulation concerning Cyber Content (Self-Regulation and User Protection against Illegal or Harmful Content on New Communications and Information Services).

  • Council Recommendation 98/560/EC of 24 September 1998 on the development of the competitiveness of the European audiovisual and information services industry by promoting national frameworks aimed at achieving a comparable and effective level of protection of minors and human dignity. Official Journal L 270, 7/10/1998, 48–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Council Resolution of 21 December 1989 on a global approach to conformity assessment. Official Journal C 010, 16/01/1990, 1–2.

    Google Scholar 

  • Council Resolution of 28 October 1999 on the role of standardisation in Europe. Official Journal C 141, 19/5/2000, 1–4.

    Google Scholar 

  • Council Resolution of 7 May 1985 on a new approach to technical harmonisation and standards. Official Journal C 136, 04/06/1985, 1–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cowles, M. Green (2001). Who writes the Rules of E-Commerce? A Case Study of the Global Business Dialogue on E-commerce (GBDe). AICGS Seminar Papers. Policy Papers #14. Washington, D.C.: American Institute for Contemporary German Studies.

    Google Scholar 

  • Decision 276/1999/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 January 1999 adopting a multiannual Community action plan on promoting safer use of the Internet by combating illegal and harmful content on global networks. Official Journal L 033, 06/02/1999, 1–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Directive 2000/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2000 on certain legal aspects of information society services, in particular electronic commerce, in the Internal Market (Directive on electronic commerce). Official Journal L 178, 17/7/2000, 1–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Directive 2002/19/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on access to, and interconnection of, electronic communications networks and associated facilities (Access Directive). Official Journal L 108, 24/4/2002, 7–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Directive 2002/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on the authorisation of electronic communications networks and services (Authorisation Directive). Official Journal L 108, 24/4/2002, 21–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Directive 2002/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services (Framework Directive). Official Journal L 108, 24/4/2002, 33–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Directive 2002/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on universal service and users’ rights relating to electronic communications networks and services (Universal Service Directive). Official Journal L 108, 24/4/2002, 51–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Directive 2002/58/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector (Directive on privacy and electronic communications), Official Journal L 201, 31/7/2002, 37–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data. Official Journal L 281, 23/11/1995, 31–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Directive 97/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 1997 amending Council Directive 89/552/EEC on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the pursuit of television broadcasting activities. Official Journal L 202, 30/07/1997, 60–71.

  • Directive 98/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 June 1998 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations; amended by Directive 98/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 July 1998 amending Directive 98/34/EC laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations. Official Journal L 217, 05/08/1998, 18–26.

  • e-Europe 2002. An Information Society For All. Action Plan prepared by the Council and the European Commission for the Feira European Council 19–20 June 2000.

  • e-Europe 2002. An Information Society For All. Communication on a Commission Initiative for the Special European Council of Lisbon, 23 and 24 March 2002.

  • Engel, C. (2001). A Constitutional Framework for Private Governance. Preprints aus der Max-Planck-Projektgruppe Recht der Gemeinschaftsgüter. Bonn 2001/4. http://papers.ssrn.com/paper.taf?abstract_id=269310 (28 August 2002).

  • Grainger, G. (1999). Broadcasting, Co-Regulation and the Public Good. 1999 Spry Memorial Lecture. 28. Oktober 1999. http://www.aba.gov.au/abanews/speeches/bcasting_info/pdfrtf/gg_spry99.pdf (28 August 2002).

  • Gunningham, N. and Rees, J. (1997). Industry Self-Regulation: An Institutional Perspective. Law & Policy, 19 (4), 363–414.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haufler, V. (2001). A Public Role for the Private Sector. Industry Self-Regulation in a Global Economy. Washington, D. C.: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

    Google Scholar 

  • Héritier, A. (2001). New Modes of Governance in Europe: Policy-Making without Legislating? Preprints aus der Max-Planck-Projektgruppe Recht der Gemeinschaftsgüter. Bonn 2001/14. http://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=299431 (28. August 2002).

  • Internal Market Scoreboard, November 2001, No. 9.

  • Just, N. (2000). Die Kontrolle der Marktmacht in der Mediamatik. In Latzer, M. (Ed.). Mediamatikpolitik für die Digitale Ökonomie. e-commerce, Qualifikation und Marktmacht in der Informationsgesellschaft (pp. 247–285). Innsbruck/Wien: Studienverlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Just, N. (2001). Konvergenz und Fusionskontrolle. Empirische Evidenz und wettbewerbliche Probleme auf EU-Ebene. In: Maier-Rabler, U./Latzer, M. (eds). Kommunikationskulturen zwischen Kontinuität und Wandel. Universelle Netzwerke für die Zivilgesellschaft (pp. 205–218). Konstanz: UVK.

    Google Scholar 

  • Just, N. and Latzer, M. (2000). “EU Competition Policy and Market Power Control in the Mediamatics Era,” Telecommunications Policy, 24(5), 395–411.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Latzer, M. (1997). Mediamatik—Die Konvergenz von Telekommunikation, Computer und Rundfunk. Opladen: Westdeutscher Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Latzer, M. (1998). “European Mediamatics Policies, Coping with Convergence and Globalization,” Telecommunications Policy, 22(6), 457–466.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Latzer, M. (2000). Transformation der Staatlichkeit—Schlussfolgerungen für die Politik. In Latzer, M. (Ed.). Mediamatikpolitik für die Digitale Ökonomie: e-commerce, Qualifikation und Marktmacht in der Informationsgesellschaft (pp. 307–330). Innsbruck/Wien: Studienverlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Latzer, M., Just, N., Saurwein, F. and Slominski, P. (2002). Selbst—und Ko-Regulierung im Mediamatiksektor. Alternative Regulierungsformen zwischen Staat und Markt. Wiesbaden: Westdeutscher Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Latzer, M., Just, N., Saurwein, F. and Slominski, P. (2003). Regulation Remixed: Institutional Change through Self-and Co-Regulation in the Mediamatics Sector. Communications & Strategies, no. 50, 2nd quarter 2003, 127–157.

  • Latzer, M. and Schmitz, S.W. (2001). Grundzüge der Digitalen Ökonomie des Mediamatik Sektors. ICE-Working Paper No. 16, Wien. http://www.iwe.oeaw.ac.at/workingpapers/WP16LatzerSchmitz.pdf (28 August 2002).

  • Latzer, M. and Schmitz, S.W. (2002). Ökonomie des e-commerce. New Economy, Digitale Ökonomie und realwirtschaftliche Auswirkungen. Marburg: Metropolis.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lessig, L. (1998). “The New Chicago School,” The Journal of Legal Studies, 27(2), 661–691.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liikanen, E. and Bolkestein, F. (s.a.). Meeting Policy Objectives through Self-Regulation at Community Level. A Reflection Paper presented by Erkki Liikanen and Frits Bolkestein, Members of the European Commission.

  • Liikanen, E. (2000a). Co-Regulation: A Modern Approach to Regulation. Meeting of Association of the European Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic and Metalworking Industries (Orgalime) Council. Brussels, 4 May 2000.

  • Liikanen, E. (2000b). Remarks on Better Regulation. Conference Fair Regulation Campaign. Brussels, 28. November 2000.

  • Liikanen, E. (2001). Better Regulation—From Principles to Practice. Alternative Regulatory Models Conference. Brussels, 6 February 2001. http://europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/guesten.ksh?p_action. Gettxt=gt&doc=SPEECH/01/57|0|RAPID&lg=EN (28. August 2002).

  • Majone, G. (1992). “Market Integration and Regulation: Europe after 1992.” Metroeconomica, 43(1/2), 131–156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Majone, G. (Ed.) (1996a). Regulating Europe. New York/London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Majone, G. (1996b). “Regulation and its Modes.” In Majone, G. (Ed.). Regulating Europe (pp. 9–27). New York/London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Majone, G. (1996c). “Regulatory Legitimacy.” In Majone, G. (Ed.). Regulating Europe (pp. 284–301). New York/London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mueller, M. (1999). ICANN and Internet Governance: Sorting through the Debris of ‘Self-Regulation’. info, 1(6), 497–520.

    Google Scholar 

  • NCC—National Consumer Council (2000). Models of Self-Regulation. An Overview of Models in Business and the Professions. London: NCC. http://www.ncc.org.uk/pubs/pdf/models_self_regulation.pdf (28 August 2002).

    Google Scholar 

  • Newman, A. and Bach, D. (2001). In the Shadow of the State: Self-Regulatory Trajectories in a Digital Age. Paper prepared for the 2001 Annual Convention of the American Political Science Association. San Francisco, CA, 30 August–2 September 2001.

  • Niedermeier, R., Damm, M. and Splittgerber, A. (2000). Cybercourt: Schieds—und Schlichtungsverfahren im Internet. Kommunikation & Recht, 3(9), 431–438.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oftel (2000). Encouraging Self-and Co-regulation in Telecoms to Benefit Consumers, June 2000. http://www.oftel.org.uk/publications/about_oftel/self0600.htm (28 August 2002).

  • Oftel (2001). The Benefits of Self and Co-regulation to Consumers and Industry, July 2001. http://www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/about_oftel/2001/self0701.htm (28 August 2002).

  • Ogus, A. (1995). Rethinking Self-Regulation. Oxford Journal of Legal Studies, 15(1), 97–108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parliament resolution on the Commission White Paper on European governance.

  • Picard, R. (1989). Media Economics. Concepts and Issues. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Price, M. E. and Verhulst, S.G. (2000). “In Search of the Self. Charting the Course of Self-Regulation on the Internet in a Global Environment.” In Marsden, C.T. (Ed.). Regulating the Global Information Society (pp. 57–78). London/New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Report of the Working Group “Better Regulation” (Group 2c), Mai 2001.

  • Schmitz, S. W. and Latzer, M. (2002). Competition in B2C e-Commerce: Analytical Issues and Empirical Evidence. EM-Electronic Markets, the International Journal of Electronic Commerce & Business Media, 12(3), 163–174.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, V. (1999). Staat und Technische Kommunikation. Wiesbaden: Westdeutscher Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, V. (2001). Die Transformation der Telekommunikation. Vom Staat zum globalen Markt (1800–2000). Frankfurt/New York: Campus.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schulz, W. and Held, T. (2002). Regulierte Selbstregulierung als Form modernen Regierens. Endbericht im Auftrag des Bundesbeauftragten für Angelegenheiten der Kultur und der Medien. Arbeitspapiere des Hans-Bredow-Instituts Nr. 10. Hamburg: Hans-Bredow-Institut.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tala, J. (1987). “Soft Law as a Method for Consumer Protection and Consumer Influence. A Review with Special Reference to the Nordic Experiences,” Journal of Consumer Policy, 10, 341–361.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • The EU Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Belgium (2000). Position Paper on Alternative Regulatory Models. http://www.eucommittee.be/pop/pop2000/Inst/inst4.htm (28 August 2002).

  • Webster, F. (1995). Theories of the Information Society. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zapf, W. (1995). Modernisierungstheorien in der Transformationsforschung. In Beyme, K. von Offe, C. (Ed.) (1995). Politische Theorien in der Ära der Transformation (pp. 169–181). Politische Vierteljahresschrift, Sonderheft 26. Opladen: Westdeutscher Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

She studied communication science at the Universities of Salzburg and Vienna, and romance philology at the University of Salzburg and at the Università degli Studi di Perugia (Italy). Her research interests include media economics, as well as legal and policy matters for the media environment.

His research focuses on the European information society, the digital economy, e-commerce and the role of the state in the communications sector. He received an MSc. in business informatics, a Ph.D. in political science, and is Univ.-Doz. (associate professor) for economics and politics of communication at the University of Vienna.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Just, N., Latzer, M. Self- and Co-regulation in the mediamatics sector: European community (EC) strategies and contributions towards a transformed statehood. Know Techn Pol 17, 38–62 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12130-004-1024-1

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12130-004-1024-1

Keywords

Navigation