Music Ally

The EU has paved the way for more three-strikes legislation across Europe, after dropping an amendment to its telecoms bill ruling that internet access was a fundamental right.

Now the proposed legislation allows internet access restrictions when “necessary and proportionate”, and only after a “fair and impartial procedure” in which the accused gets a chance to have their say. The telecoms package will now go up for a vote, having been delayed by the disagreement around this issue.

However, it’s not a guarantee of a wave of three-strikes laws – the Spanish government has already confirmed that it is not planning any such measures. However, music industry bodies have already welcomed the redrafted legislation.

“Upholding the rights of artists to be rewarded for their work is crucial if Europe is to continue to foster innovation and creativity,” says a statement from the International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP). “The new agreement, which places competence for dealing with file-sharers with the Member States while continuing to uphold the fundamental rights of citizens, is an appropriate way to protect copyright online and take action against those who illegally download other people’s property.”

Bear with us on this one: the European Court of Justice has thrown out a lower court ruling that annulled the European Commission’s approval of the merger between Sony Music and BMG. (more…)

Getting ISPs to disconnect customers who are repeatedly caught sharing music illegally is the hot new theory when it comes to copyright protection, although ISPs’ willingness to do it varies. However, the European Parliament has now weighed in, narrowly voting to signal its opposition to the idea (by 314-297 votes). (more…)