The WTO, the Internet and Trade in Digital Products: EC-US Perspectives

The rapid development of the Internet has led to a growing potential for electronic trade in digital content like movies and video games. As a result, there is a need for a global trade framework applicable to such digitally-delivered content products. Yet, digital trade is currently not explicitly recognised by the trade rules and obligations of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

This study provides a complete analysis of the related challenges in the ongoing WTO Doha Negotiations to remedy this state of affairs. It elaborates on the required measures in the Doha Negotiations to achieve market access for digital content and examines the obstacles that lie on the path to reach consensus between the United States and the European Communities.

Finally, this examination takes stock of how the Doha Negotiations and parallel US-driven preferential trade agreements have contributed to securing free trade in digital content.