Geoblockering - Engelska
Geoblocking means that consumers, based on their nationality or where they live, are prevented from accessing goods or services within the EU. Geoblocking is prohibited within the EU.
Translated page: This text has been translated from Swedish. The text and appearance of the page may look different from the original page.
Introduction to geoblocking
Within the EU, it is prohibited to block websites based on nationality or place of residence.
There are requirements for equal treatment in payment within the EU.
Discriminatory conditions are prohibited within the EU. This means, for example, that you should be able to shop in other EU countries in the same way as those who live in the country.
Contact ECC Sweden if you have questions about geoblocking.
Rules regarding geoblocking
Examples of geoblocking:
- Consumers receive different conditions based on where they live, such as different prices.
- Companies prevent consumers from searching for the best possible price by blocking websites or automatically redirecting consumers to another version of the website.
- Consumers are discriminated against because their payment card is issued in a certain country.
Within the EU, it is not allowed to block websites or mobile apps based on nationality or place of residence. You should not be redirected to a special version that is adapted to you unless you have approved it. If you have been redirected, you should easily be able to find your way back to the page you started on.
There are requirements for equal treatment in payment within the EU. This means that a company cannot discriminate in payment.
An example is if a German company accepts a specific debit card issued in Germany. They cannot reject another debit card from the same company because it is issued in Sweden.
As a consumer, you must not be discriminated against in terms of conditions and prices in the following situations:
- Goods delivered to a member state where the company offers delivery, or picked up at a location agreed upon with the customer. You should be able to shop as if you lived in that country. However, you do not have the right to demand to pick up a product on-site if the company does not already offer that option.
- Electronic services, such as cloud services, data storage management, and web hosting.
- Services such as hotel accommodation and car rental, if the customer uses the service in the country where the company operates.
There are several exceptions to the Geoblocking Regulation. A few examples are:
- Transport services
- Services offered by staffing agencies
- Financial services, such as banking and credit services, insurance, pension savings, securities and investment funds, as well as investment advice, payments and leasing
- Private security services
- Some gambling services/gaming operations, such as lotteries, casino games and betting
- Audiovisual services, such as cinemas and radio broadcasts
- Electronic communications services
- Health and medical care services
The Services Directive also does not affect rules that guarantee consumers protection according to the legislation in their home countries.
Companies are also not obliged to deliver goods and services to all Member States.
