Select a language
The French Constitutional Council has overturned an article in the Hadopi Act, recently adopted by Nicolas Sarkozy's goverment, against illegal file sharing on the internet. According to the "Sages", as they are known in France, blocking internet access in case of illicit downloading (as the law provides) runs contrary to the spirit of the constitution. Internet participates "in the life of a democratic society and the expression of ideas and opinions," the sages intone. Consequently, "freedom of access to online communication services for use of the public" can only be terminated by a court ruling. This echoes an amendment passed by the European Parliament on May 6th that protects web users' fundamental rights. "A slap on the wrist for the government," French daily Le Figaro observes.
Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!
It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.
Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!
