Ben Reid
26 Oct 2006 16:27
A short while ago, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) filed a civil lawsuit against Danish ISP Tele2. Within the suit, the IFPI demanded Tele2 block access to AllofMP3.com from its customers.
A court ruling on Wednesday saw the IFPI get its own way, and Tele2 must now block AllofMP3.com from its Danish customers.
Telecommunications industry figures in Denmark are concerned over the verdict, which they feel gives the implication that ISPs are responsible for the activities of their users and also the fact that no verdict has actually been made against controversial Russian download site AllofMP3.
"I’m shocked about the verdict, and view it as censorship. Tele2 and other Internet service providers provide free access to information on the internet, but now have to sort this information," said Ib Tholstrup, Director of the Telecommunication Business Organization. "This is unknown territory for us, and it is the same as if the Post Offices should read all the letters they are handling. I deeply condemn this verdict."
Sebastian Gjerding, spokesman of The Piracy Group in Denmark - an organization that petitions for copyright reform and advocates consumer rights - shared a similar view to that of the telecom industry. "This shows clearly that the IFPI poses a threat to the concept of free communication. There obviously are no limits to how far they are willing to go in their war against piracy, even though it means a limit of free communications. In China, citizens can’t visit sites that are legal in other countries, but that the Chinese government does not approve. That policy is now being brought to Denmark."
"We can now only wait and hope that the Civil Court will come to their senses, and reverse the verdict on the appeal. However, if this does not happen, there are alternative ways to get around the issue. Technical matters that tries to censor the internet are often easy to outwit, and The Piracy Group are more than willing to teach people how to do it."
Tele2 is to appeal against the verdict and at the moment, customers can still access AllofMP3.com, but how long for remains to be seen.
Source:
Slyck