EU Agrees On New Internet User Rights

CONSTANT BRAND

BRUSSELS (AP) — EU lawmakers and governments agreed on new rights for Internet users Thursday, aiming to protect them from arbitrary crackdowns on those who illegally download music and movies on the Internet.

EU Telecoms Commissioner Viviane Reding said a deal was reached after EU governments agreed to EU parliament demands to balance measures against illegal downloaders with a broader set of rights for telecom users.

The reforms were two years in the making. They also include new privacy controls, consumer rights and increased competition for Internet and phone services — key improvements that have been overshadowed by the fight over digital user rights.

Thursday's proposal also includes other reforms to overhaul Europe's telecoms market.

They include setting up a new EU-wide telecoms authority charged with ensuring fair competition, bolstering consumers' rights to switch mobile or landline telephone operators within one working day, and expanding digital networks to provide faster broadband Internet service for users in rural areas.

EU lawmakers had been at odds with governments, notably France, over how to tackle the increase in illegal downloading.