The European Parliament Approves a Directive Allowing States to Restrict Internet Access for Users Who Violate Copyrights

2 December 2009

The controversial measure was approved along with the Telecoms Package (two directives and a regulation governing telecommunications and electronic communication).

Under these new regulations, each Member State can freely determine the motives which would lead them to cut off user’s internet access and, subsequently, the downloading of copyrighted files.

Without a doubt, the most controversial aspect of these regulations is the possibility of disconnecting a user through a not necessarily judicial, inter parte proceeding in those cases in which illegal downloading has occurred.

Member States have until mid-2011 to transpose the new rules.

For further information, please contact Eric Jordi: [email protected]