The European Parliament voted yesterday against a rule that would cut the Internet connections of people who illegally download copyright infringing music and other digital files.
Harsh!
The Parliament (pictured above, in concert) gathered earlier this week to vote on the "Report on the Cultural Industries," French member of European Parliament Guy Bono's study on the economic and social importance of the cultural sector in the EU.
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry was supportive of the text, but felt the amendment was “badly drafted” and “rushed through.”
"Many of the recommendations in this report stress the need to protect intellectual property as a driver of growth in the creative sector," comments Frances Moore, International Federation of the Phonographic Industry executive VP. "The report also calls on the European Commission and member states to provide the necessary resources to ensure that intellectual property is respected and protected."
The MEPs said yesterday that "a reform of intellectual property rights is vital for promoting creativity and encouraging the development of cultural works," but "criminalizing consumers who are not seeking to make a profit is not the right solution to combat digital piracy."
"If the aim of the report is to protect creative content, including in the online environment, we should be looking at all options available in the fight against copyright theft,” Moore added. “Instead, this amendment suggested discarding certain options before there is even a proper debate."
Yeah! Screw that!
Billboard.com: European Parliament Rejects Plans To Cut File-Sharers
