EU: Internet Access Is A Basic Right - "Three-Strikes" Implications

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The EU has adopted new protection for Internet users that guarantees Internet access as a basic right. Originally wanted by consumer and Internet advocacy groups as a way to halt several European government's plans to implement "three-strikes" anti-piracy initiatives, but opposed by the music and movie industries which had caused a deadlock in the EU parliament.

The compromise now means that while Internet access is a basic right, it still can be denied after going through a "fair and impartial procedure". This appears to rule out the automated bans that the movie and music studios want, but is also short of the requirement of a full criminal trial before bans are handed down, something that consumer advocacy groups wanted.

But this is an important step towards ensuring Internet access is a basic right and one that cannot be denied to EU citizens based on an arbitrary process, or on unproven allegations.

More:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/06/te...net/06net.html