The goal of the new directive is to consolidate the various consumer rights directives already in place in Europe. In addition, the EU wants to strengthen consumer protection while they're at it, and part of that is ensuring that digital goods are handled just like normal goods.

The European Commission this morning launched a consultation on key questions regarding the contentious issues of net neutrality and the open Internet. Until 30 September 2010, all interested parties – meaning service and content providers, consumers, businesses and researchers – are invited to respond to the consultation.