Reding against Internet cut-off for infringement
November 25, 2009
The European Commission would oppose the Spanish government if it cuts the Internet access of users that download copyrighted material, the European Commission’s top telecommunications policy-maker, Viviane Reding, has said. “If Spain cuts off Internet access without a procedure in front of a judge, it would certainly run into conflict with the European Commission,” Reding commented
Reding added Spain should consult with the European Commission before implementing this kind of legislation. “We need to find more modern ways to protect intellectual property and artistic creation, but repression alone will not alone solve the problem.”
Earlier this month, the European parliament agreed that those suspected of using the Internet for downloading copyrighted material, can’t have their Internet access cut off without a prior hearing.