The BBC reports the new package entitling users in all 27 EU states to be put through a "fair and impartial procedure" before being disconnected for filesharing is a compromise following all night negotiations. Some members of the European Parliament reportedly felt that no one should be cut off until after they had been prosecuted for illegal downloading in a court of law.
Monique Goyens, the director general of BEUC, the European Consumers' Organisation, said it had been a hard fight but she is glad of the outcome. "It has been long hard battle but at least all sides have acknowledged that fundamental rights of users need to be guaranteed in the digital world."
The news follows the passing of a "three strikes" law in France earlier this year. The law gives internet users three chances before disconnecting them. First time offenders are sent a warning via email. They are then sent a letter in the post if they continue to download illegally. Finally, if they are caught a third time, their ISP will disconnect them.
The European Parliament is expected to vote on the package at the end of this month.
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