The Irish Times reports that Eircom's plan to ban internet users who persistently download music illegally has been dealt a blow after the European Parliament approved a new telecoms reform package that offers greater protection for consumers. The reform package includes a provision to restrict ISPs from disconnecting so-called file-sharers. It says that a user's internet access may only be restricted "if appropriate, proportionate and necessary" and only after "a prior, fair and impartial procedure" which gives users the opportunity to state their case and respects the principles of presumption of innocence and the right to privacy. According to TJ McIntyre, a lecturer in law at UCD and the chairman of Digital Rights Ireland, the final version of the amendment makes it unclear just how much protection internet users now have if moves are made to disconnect them.

Will eircom retore access to TPB now?


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