In Portugal, internet usage has increased significantly over the past decade. According to the Portuguese Institute for Statistics, 63% of the population had access to the internet in 2017, compared to just 35% in 2007. This increase can be attributed to the availability of affordable internet packages and the proliferation of mobile devices.
The Portuguese government has implemented several regulations to ensure that internet usage is safe and fair. These include laws on data protection, consumer protection, and cybercrime. For instance, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) ensures that personal data is collected and used in a transparent and secure manner.
Additionally, the Portuguese Communications Authority (Anacom) is responsible for regulating the telecommunications sector, including internet service providers (ISPs). It ensures that ISPs provide fair and equal access to the internet, and that they do not engage in practices such as throttling or blocking certain websites.
However, there are still challenges in regulating internet usage in Portugal. For instance, there have been instances of online harassment and cyberbullying, particularly among young people. In response, the government has introduced educational campaigns and support programs to raise awareness and provide assistance to those affected.
Overall, internet usage and regulation in Portugal has come a long way, but there is still work to be done to ensure that the internet remains a safe and fair space for all.