European Union: BEREC opinion on amendment of Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 blocking Russia Today and Sputnik

The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) published an opinion regarding the implementation of ban on Russia Today and Sputnik in the amendment of Regulation (EU) No 833/2014. BEREC stated that net neutrality rules do not prohibit the blocking of Russia Today and Sputnik. Specifically, Article 3(3) of the EU Open Internet Regulation (2015/2120) allows internet access service providers to adopt measures to limit traffic for specific content or services in order to comply with EU legislative acts. Since the blocking in the amendment of Regulation 833/2014 qualifies as EU legislative Act, it provides an exemption as foreseen by the Open Internet Regulation, meaning net neutrality rules do not hinder its implementation.