European Parliament guarantees legal rights of Internet users

12.00.00am GMT Thu 5th Nov 2009

Yesterday night the European Parliament and Council reached a deal on a Telecoms package after long negotiations. The Council acceded to Parliament's demands to guarantee Internet users - who are suspected of uploading or downloading illegal material - a "prior, fair and impartial procedure".

John Dixon, Cardiff North's Parliamentary spokesperson for the Lib Dems commended the outcome: "The liberal strategy was: 'No evidence, no cut-off'. It looked like a tough battle, but I'm pleased that the European Parliament has shown its teeth. Member States will not be able to cut off the access to Internet without an established and fair procedure, maintaining the presumption of innocence."

"The European Parliament has stood up for internet access to be considered as a citizen's fundamental right."

The Telecoms package will be finally decided in third reading by the Parliament in the November II plenary session in Strasbourg.