Did The EU Accidentally Support A '3 Strikes' Policy For Internet Users?

Politics

from the not-at-all-clear dept

There was talk earlier this week that, despite an earlier rejection in the EU of a “three strikes” plan that would effectively turn ISPs into copyright cops, a new vote might backdoor in the same results. The proposal was approved, but there appears to be considerable confusion over what it actually means. The text says that European regulators should provide “cooperation” between ISPs and those who are “interested in the protection and promotion of lawful content.” To many, that sounds like turning the ISPs into copyright cops. But, the politicians who approved it claim it has nothing at all to do with copyright, saying that it’s all about providing easier access to services:

“It is about new provisions so that users can find out about new services. It will make price comparison sites easier to set up, it will force regulators to give equivalent access to disabled users and enhance emergency services with caller location.”

If that’s actually the case, then the wording should be clarified, because you can pretty much bet that the entertainment industry will jump on the wording, along with claims of “international treaties” and demand that regulators force ISPs to comply with their every demand.

Filed Under: europe, isps, politics, three strikes