European file sharers next in line for lawsuits

FOR IMMEDIATE USE: 9 September 2003

The US music industry yesterday began carrying out its threat to sue American users of filesharing software, launching claims for hundreds of thousands of dollars against 261 Internet users. European citizens will be next in line for legal action if a controversial new European law is passed.

The draft Directive on the enforcement of intellectual property rights is due to be debated by the European Parliament during October and November. It would mimic US law by giving record companies a fast-track legal procedure to find out the names and addresses of Internet users who are sharing music or other types of copyrighted works. There would be little protection against misuse of these powers.

Information on hundreds of users, including children as young as ten, was handed over by American ISPs in July. University students have also been targeted.

FIPR is part of an international coalition that has called on the European Parliament to reject the draft Directive. Concerned citizens should write to their MEPs asking them to reject this assault on their privacy and other rights.

FIPR Director Ian Brown commented: "Music companies seem determined to shoot themselves in the foot by suing their own customers. The EU should not be supporting them by making this process easier in Europe."

Contact for enquiries:

Ian Brown
Director
Foundation for Information Policy Research
ian@fipr.org
07970 164 526 (from outside the UK: +44 7970 164 526)

Links:

Online music pirates in US sued

FIPR analysis of draft EU law

RIAA sues campus file-swappers

International Civil Liberties Coalition Urges Rejection of IP Enforcement Directive

Notes for editors

1. The Foundation for Information Policy Research (http://www.fipr.org) is an independent body that studies the interaction between information technology and society. Its goal is to identify technical developments with significant social impact, commission and undertaken research into public policy alternatives, and promote public understanding and dialogue between technologists and policy-makers in the UK and Europe.