Kuuso on 21/4/2009 at 13:03
the European parliament will vote on a bunch of directives named "Telecom packages". These directives will harshly violate net neutrality and even EU's principles (basic right articles 6,7,11 and 16). Basically, our freedom to use the internet and the protection of our information will be at stake.
The most worrying aspect of this proposal is that it would effectively change what we see on the net. Basically, ISPs would start selling "packages" to internet, basically like cable-television, where site-owners need to buy themselves in. The ones that can't afford it are not visible to the users of "package internet" or in reach with extra cost.
Here is a summary of the most problematic points: (
http://www.laquadrature.net/files/LaQuadratureduNet-20080901_Telecoms-Package_network-neutrality.pdf)
More info: (
http://www.laquadrature.net/en)
(
http://www.laquadrature.net/lawtracks/telecoms_package/)
I urge each and everyone of you to write to your MEP about this.
Koki on 21/4/2009 at 13:08
I guess this part of cyberpunk will come true - cyberspace jockeys, untraceable maverics who connect illegally using haxed hardware.
Kuuso on 21/4/2009 at 13:13
I do hope this is just a misunderstanding or something. I can't see how they would act against their own principles so badly.
Matthew on 21/4/2009 at 13:31
Article 16? That one's a little tenuous surely. ;)
Are there any articles that aren't from a pressure group's website at all? Every time I try to search for them I just get articles about Sarkozy threatening to block the bills.
Ostriig on 21/4/2009 at 22:27
Quote:
Originally Posted by pi, (http://www.laquadrature.net/en/victory-for-eu-citizens-amendement-138-was-voted-again) www.laquadrature.net, on 21 April, 2009 - 20:30.Strasbourg, April 21 2009 - Once again, the European Parliament has demonstrated it can resist pressure and stand for the rights and freedoms of citizens. Amendment 138 (now renumbered amendment 46) was adopted today in ITRE committe, in Strasbourg.
Amendement 138/46-135 states that restrictions to the fundamental rights and freedoms of Internet users can only be put in place after a decision by judicial authorities (save when public security is threatened in which case the ruling may be subsequent). It was adopted last September by an overwhelming majority of the European Parliament, and approved by the European Commission despite explicit requests from the French Presidency to reject it. The European Council has rejected it further to pressure of the French government and some disinformation by in-house Council lawyers on its claimed contradiction with existing National law.
Despite strong pressure to reach a compromise on the framework directive of the Telecoms Package, the ITRE committee of the European Parliament has today adopted again amendment 138/46, by a strong majority of 40 against 4. One will have to monitor closely further proceedings to be sure that this vote is confirmed in plenary, but it is a strong and clear signal.
According to Jérémie Zimmermann, co-founder of La Quadrature du Net: "The European citizens will remember this courageous stand. Members of the European parliament honoured their mandates by standing courageously for citizens' rights and freedoms. This is one more blow to Nicolas Sarkozy's 'three strikes' or 'HADOPI' law in France, and a strong sign that nobody in Europe will want to pass such a stupid legislation going against progress, citizens' rights and common sense.".
Philippe Aigrain, also co-founder of La Quadrature du Net concludes: "We will also follow with great attention the negociations in a future conciliation committee to make impossible for the Council to endanger other aspects of the telecom packet such as equitable networking. It is time for Member States to realize that the economy and society can benefit together from an open infrastructure and a strong affirmation of rights.".
My lawyerish is a bit rusty - does this settle the issue for good, or is it one of those "we'll meet again, Captain Planet!" kind of things?
Matthew on 22/4/2009 at 10:01
Ehh, technically it has a couple of steps still to go but it's a good start.
catbarf on 22/4/2009 at 10:59
Good to see that at least somebody has a brain and the balls to stand up to the telecom companies.
Rogue Keeper on 22/4/2009 at 11:05
I suggest all free-spirited people to move to AnarchNet. This shitty commercial new world order global network is rotten enough as it is.
Koki on 22/4/2009 at 11:44
I admit to being positively surprised
Martin Karne on 25/4/2009 at 16:02
Hack the planet, hack the planet.
