Geoblocking

Geoblocking is a trader’s discriminatory practice of preventing online customers from accessing products or services offered on a website established in another country and from purchasing those products or services, for instance by blocking access to websites across borders. It can also involve denying the possibility to complete an order, or to purchase goods or services when accessing a website from abroad.

In 2018, the European Union (EU) adopted legislation (Regulation (EU) 2018/302) on addressing unjustified geoblocking and other forms of discrimination based on customers’ nationality, place of residence or place of establishment within the EU’s internal market. The regulation was part of an e-commerce package together with a legislative proposal on cross-border parcel delivery services and a legislative proposal to strengthen the enforcement of consumers’ rights.