Internet TV regulation looms for Slovakia

Slovakia looks set to regulate internet TV services from the end of this year.

The country’s government has approved an amendment to the Broadcasting and Retransmission Act submitted by the Culture Ministry setting out the rules for internet TV and internet providers of audiovisual and media services on demand. The amendment was required following a commitment by Slovakia to adopt a provision contained within the European Directive on Audio-visual and Media Services.

Under the terms of the amendment, which now has to be approved by the Slovak parliament, providers of internet programmes will not require a licence but will have to notify the Broadcasting and Retransmission Council.

Furthermore, they will not be bound by the same conditions, such as objectivity, impartiality and plurality of opinions, as traditional broadcasters.