lady_windermere

I received this email from one of my local MEP's.

Good Afternoon

Thank you for contacting me on the important subject of internet access,
I have had a great deal of correspondence on this point, from all over
the EU.

I can assure you that I am and have always been in favour of free access
to the internet, and in favour of maximum privacy. I have always
supported those principles, as have my Scottish National party
colleagues in the London or Scottish Parliaments.

I am delighted that our, and your, pressure paid off, and the amendment
which stipulates that "no restriction may be imposed on the fundamental
rights and freedoms of end users" was approved by 40 votes to 4. This
is, as you can imagine, a thumping majority and I am delighted that the
Committee backed fundamental freedom. We have this morning issued the
press Release below in my name.

Of course, this issue is not over in the Parliament yet, and the dossier
now moves to the full plenary meeting in May for a vote of the full
Parliament. I will continue to press for as much freedom as possible to
internet users.You may wish to keep in touch with this and other
cmapaigns either via my webpage www.alynsmith.eu or even become my
friend on Facebook!

Yours aye

Alyn

FOR IMMEDIATE USE: WEDNESDAY 22 APRIL 2009

ATTENTION: NEWSDESKS

SMITH DELIGHT AS EU PARLIAMENT COMMITTEE BACKS INTERNET FREEDOM

Alyn Smith MEP, alternate member of the European Parliament's powerful
Industry, Research and Energy Committee, has expressed his pleasure with
the vote on the Telecoms Package as a victory for fundamental rights of
access to the internet.

The committee overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the Trautmann
Report which asserts that "no restriction may be imposed on the
fundamental rights and freedoms of end users" (without a prior ruling by
judicial authorities, or when public security is threatened), and
references the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. This
amendment will make it very difficult to introduce laws that would allow
internet service providers or governments to cut off users' internet
access without a proper and independent judicial process, and came in
the teeth of opposition particularly from the French, who wanted to see
a much more onerous inspection and access regime.

Speaking after the vote, Mr Smith said:

"This is fantastic news, and shows that the Parliament is on the side of
our citizens and on the side of internet freedom.

"I'm delighted that the Parliament has continued to uphold its position
that it adopted at first reading back in September, which I supported.
Access to the internet is absolutely essential for people and
businesses. I am deeply worried by proposals in France and elsewhere to
impose a so-called

"graduated access" or "three strikes and you're out" model, where a
user's internet access can be blocked for minor violations of copyright.
Not only is this a violation of basic freedoms, but the comprehensive
surveillance of internet users it implies is absolutely unacceptable in
a free society. We can only begin to contemplate such drastic action
after serious violations of criminal law, and only through a rigorous
judicial process which is completely independent of corporations or
governments.

"I firmly believe in the principle of "net neutrality": internet access
must be comprehensive, complete and universal, with no restrictions
apart from actual violations of criminal law, and no surveillance of
internet users. I will oppose all attempts to restrict access for users.

"Unfortunately, due to French pressure, the member state governments are
still likely to act as a roadblock on this issue. I urge the Council to
approve this amendment as soon as possible so we can vote it through
plenary and make it law. Europe's internet users demand and deserve
nothing less."

So sounding positive.