New EU-telecom law voted on

The vote will decide EU net policy

The European Parliament is set to vote on a new rules that could drastically overhaul current telecom laws, such as illegal downloading, internet access and users' rights.

The vote comes as debate surrounding illegal downloading intensifies in Britain, with some MPs saying persistent downloaders should have their connection cut off. As such, protecting users' rights has been a high priority of the European Telecoms Package. The package has been criticised on both sides with some saying it is too weak and will not prevent disconnections, whilst others have rallied against what it could mean for internet users.

The package also includes plans to achieve total broadband coverage in Europe by 2013, and forming an unilateral agreement on how to 'roll it out'. It will also attempt to improve co-operation between EU-states and telecom regulators in order to make it easier for operators to provide and buy network services.

Laws approved

Parts of the package have already been approved. However, a law on citizens' rights will seek to improve how quickly customers can change their mobile telephone number and strengthen personal data and privacy protection by allowing users to opt in to the use of cookies. This comes on the back of several high profile personal data theft incidents and record number of identity theft cases.

However, it is data-sharing that is causing the most controversy. Individual countries such as France have introduced tough penalties to clamp down on downloaders. The French "three strikes" policy has not been welcomed by those who share illegal content, which sees their internet connection severed if they fail to stop.

Despite this, MEPs have been working on a compromise with a part of the package dedicated to users' rights reading, "A user's internet access may be restricted, if necessary and proportionate, only after a fair and impartial procedure including the user's right to be heard."

How this will work across the continent, considering the UK's Digital Economy Bill seeks to impose technical restrictions, including disconnection, on persistent pirates, is unclear.

Over 11,000 people have signed an e-petition against the UK bill, with those rallying against it predicting 'civil unrest' if it is passed.

Relevant articles:

Online pirates: Will severing their connections help? | When technology fails to work for us | Internet firms back net netrality

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