[A2k] EU Parliament approves anti-graduated response report

[Pranesh Prakash]

The report pits privacy against copyright infringement, and seems to
hold that privacy will win.
The report is available at: http://bit.ly/eu-mar-26

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http://torrentfreak.com/eu-rejects-3-strikes-for-file-sharers-090327/

EU Rejects =E2=80=983 Strikes=E2=80=99 for File-Sharers
Written by enigmax on March 27, 2009

The European Parliament has approved a report which goes against the
French plan to implement a =E2=80=983 strikes=E2=80=99 regime for alleged P=
2P
copyright infringers. The proposals to increase security and ensure
freedom on the Internet were accepted, but disconnecting users from
the Internet was ruled out.

For the third time in a year the European Parliament has spoken out
against tougher anti-piracy legislation that would allow alleged
file-sharers to be disconnected from the Internet based on evidence
from anti-piracy lobby groups. Instead, they chose to protect rights
and freedoms of Internet users.

The report from Greek MEP Stavros Lambrinidis concerning security and
the protection of fundamental freedoms on the Internet, has been
accepted by an overwhelming majority. The European Parliament adopted
the report with 481 votes in favor, 25 against and 21 abstentions.
French proposals that would allow a =E2=80=98graduated response=E2=80=99 ak=
a =E2=80=983
strikes=E2=80=99 regime to deal with alleged copyright infringers were
rejected.

=E2=80=9CWhile ensuring that the Internet is more secure is a legitimate go=
al
for our societies, we must monitor and restrict the use of
surveillance and control techniques that threaten our freedoms,
especially in cases which question its necessity, proportionality and
effectiveness,=E2=80=9D says the report.

In a clear snub to both the French government and copyright holders
the report says, =E2=80=9CGovernments or private companies should not see t=
he
denial of such access as a means of imposing sanctions, as proposed in
some countries in the union.=E2=80=9D

The report further states that computer and electronic literacy is the
new literacy of the 21st century and that guaranteeing Internet access
to all European citizens is synonymous with guaranteeing education.

The French tried to protect their upcoming 3 Strikes law, but failed.
An amendment proposed to read, =E2=80=9CAccess to the Internet should not b=
e
the subject of abuse for purposes of illegal activities and that a
balance between the various basic rights guaranteed in Community
legislation must be respected,=E2=80=9D was rejected.

At this stage it is unclear if this pressure from the European
Parliament will cause the French to reconsider their =E2=80=983 strikes=E2=
=80=99
plans. It would not be the first time Sarkozy has chosen to ignore the
democratic vote.