Netflix shows in high definition HD may no longer be streamed online by fans across Europe as the European Union EU makes move to reduce pressure on the internet arising from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to Daily Mail, ‘as online speeds have increased and screen resolution has improved, web giants like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO and Amazon have increasingly supplied film lovers with high definition footage of their favourites.’
The European Union Commissioner for Internal Market and Digital Economy, Thierry Breton on Thursday warned that the huge file sizes of such broadcasts are slowing the web just as many users are forced to work online from home.
He said the streaming platforms, telecom operators and users, have a joint responsibility to take steps to ensure the smooth functioning of the internet during the battle against the virus disease.
Breton said, “Europe and the whole world are facing an unprecedented situation.
“Governments have taken measures to reduce social interactions to contain the spread of COVID-19, and to encourage remote working and online education.
“Streaming platforms, telecom operators and users, we all have a joint responsibility to take steps to ensure the smooth functioning of the internet during the battle against the virus propagation.”
The EU therefore urged online media platforms to stream movies and entertainment in standard rather than high definition.
