The Protection of Age and Disability Rights in the Regulation of Digital Television in the European Union

Varney, Eliza

Abstract

This article questions the extent to which the regulatory framework for electronic communications in the European Union safeguards the rights of elderly people and disabled people in the digital television (DTV) sector and seeks to determine whether this regulatory framework is influenced by market concerns rather than by citizenship values. Part one points towards the technological advances which facilitate equality of access and highlights the barriers which are faced by elderly people and disabled people when accessing the DTV sector. Part two examines the eAccessibility measures put forward by the European Commission as part of the i2010 initiative and assesses whether the current review of the regulatory framework for electronic communications provides an effective protection for age and disability rights. Part three calls for the expansion of EU competence in safeguarding social values in the DTV sector.

Citation

Varney, E. (2008). The Protection of Age and Disability Rights in the Regulation of Digital Television in the European Union. Utilities Law Review, 17(1), 6-16

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2008
• Deposit Date: Feb 17, 2023
• Journal: Utilities Law Review
• Print ISSN: 0960-2356
• Publisher: Lawtext Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 6-16
• Keywords: Disability equality, accessibility, regulation
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/17386613