Europe votes against banning filesharers
updated 01:45 pm EDT, Thu April 10, 2008
Europe cuts filesharer ban
The European Parliament has voted to abolish a plan to permanently ban illegal filesharers, writes IDG News. Under the rules of the plan, those caught sharing copyrighted music, video and other material would have been prevented from even connecting to the Internet for unspecified amounts of time, possibly permanently. "The vote shows that MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) want to strike a balance between the interests of rights holders and those of consumers, and that big measures like cutting off Internet access shouldn't be used," according to EP spokeswoman Malene Folke Chaucheprat.
The Parliament was deeply divided on the resolution however, with only 313 MEPs voting against the prospect of bans, and another 297 supporting them. Many Europeans are said to view Internet bans as too extreme; conversely, the supporting faction has taken the side of organizations such as the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry), which is pressing for ISP-level control in regions such as the United Kingdom.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2001
a ban?
geez. Good thing the EU Parliament rejected it. An outright ban? I betcha the RIAA is paying attention to this.