Commission questions companies on geo-blocking

European Commission investigators kicked off a wide-ranging antitrust probe into Europe’s digital sector Thursday, sending the first round of questionnaires to audio-visual companies, POLITICO has learned. The early focus on this sector confirms the Commission is eager to clamp down on companies that restrict the sales or access of music, video games and other copyrighted content across borders, also known as “geo-blocking.” One questionnaire received totaled almost 100 pages, according to a person briefed on the document. The questions ranged from basic company information to requests for copies of contracts and data. An estimated 2,000 companies are expected to be questioned throughout the probe. The Commission confirmed it sent out the questionnaires but declined further comment. http://www.politico.eu/article/commission-questions-companies-on-geo-blocking/