Parliamentary questions
10 October 2011 E-008794/2011
Question for written answer
to the Commission
Rule 117
Marietje Schaake (ALDE)
Subject: Internet disconnection laws in Europe
Via the press(1), it has come to my attention that the Italian Parliament is currently considering a draft law under which Internet users may be disconnected and blacklisted if they have been accused of an intellectual property infringement. The accusation does not necessarily need to originate from the rights holder of the work in question.
The draft law, as proposed, violates several EC laws and principles, including:
— Article 1(3a) of the telecoms package, amending Framework Directive 2002/21/EC,
— Article 6 ECHR concerning a fair trial,
— Article 10 ECHR concerning the freedom to seek, receive and impart information,
— the principles of necessity and proportionality, and
— depending on implementation, the intermediary liability exemptions in the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC.
1. Does the Commission agree that the Italian proposal is in violation of EC laws and principles? If not, why not?
2. What concrete action will the Commission undertake to put a halt to measures being implemented by Member States whereby citizens may be disconnected from the Internet?
(1) http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20110919/03081816004/italy-proposes-law-that-will-ban-people-Internet-based-single-accusation-infringement-anyone.shtml
Please find the answer here.
