[ComputerWeekly] EU weakens net neutrality to pass telecoms reform package

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A net neutrality revision has allowed European legislators to implement long-awaited reforms that will introduce a single competitive market in telecoms throughout the continent.

New, watered-down text adopted in a conciliation process speaks of the right to a « prior fair and impartial procedure » rather than a court action, as well as the presumption of innocence in cases of alleged illegal file-sharing.

Sources close to the law-making process say the new text appears to allow the UK and French governments to persist with their « three strikes and you are out » policies to go after illegal file-sharers.

La Quadrature du Net, a net neutrality lobby organisation, said the new text aimed at protecting internet access includes positive elements. « It also contains ambiguous language and potential loopholes. This rather unambitious provision will now be up for interpretation, » it said in a statement.

http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2009/11/06/238457/eu-weakens-net-neutrality-to-pass-telecoms-reform-package.htm