社会的弱者向け通信サービスの確保に向けた欧州の取り組み

本稿では、電子通信サービス分野におけるeアクセシビリティに関する法制度面のアプローチを中心に、社会的弱者向け通信サービスの確保に向けた欧州の取り組みを概観する。
・ユニバーサルサービス制度としての社会的弱者向け通信サービス
・欧州における社会的弱者向け通信サービス確保措置の現状
・英仏の事例

According to the communication "Towards an Accessible Information Society", adopted by the European Commission on 1st December 2008, people with disabilities represent around 15% of Europe's population. Furthermore, with around 25% of EU population expected to be over the age of 65 by 2035, Europe is also facing the problem of an aging population. Consequently, the EU has acknowledged that promoting social inclusion of vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities, the elderly or people living on low incomes, is one of main tasks facing it in the foreseeable future.
Information and communication technologies (ICT) will play an important role in promoting efforts to increase social inclusion. Toward this end, the European Commission has adopted an “e-Inclusion” policy, which focuses upon six themes, including “e-Accessibility”.
This article outlines the European approach to ensuring communication services for vulnerable end-users; describes rules and regulations regarding “e-Accessibility” in communication services; and presents current measures for vulnerable end-users drawing upon case examples in UK and France.