June 15, 2016 · Blogs

CoE study: Blocking content has to respect fundamental rights

Several European countries lack clear legal provisions and transparent procedures when it comes to blocking and removal of online content. A comparative study published by the Council of Europe stresses that any restriction on the right to freedom of expression must be provided for by law, be proportionate and follow legitimate objectives. Blocking should only […]

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November 10, 2010

EDRi response to European Commission E-Commerce Directive Consultation

European Digital Rights responded to the European Commission’s consultation on the E-Commerce Directive, the deadline for which was Friday, 5 November, 2010. The E-Commerce Directive is of particular importance to digital civil rights because it covers issues such as the deletion of websites and monitoring of networks. EDRi’s response can be downloaded from: http://www.edri.org/files/EDRi_ecommerceresponse_101105.pdf

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October 22, 2003

IPR Enforcement: rapporteur ready for compromise

On 4 November there was a heated debate in the Judicial Affairs Committee (JURI) of the European Parliament about the proposed new directive on the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights. According to Social Democrat Willy Rothley from Germany “the EU Commission aggressively attempts to exceed its authorities and assume competencies it does not hold. Senselessly, […]

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May 23, 2007

UK implements the Data Retention Directive

(Dieser Artikel ist auch in deutscher Sprache verfügbar) The UK Home Office is presently implementing the Data Retention Directive that will oblige telephony and internet service providers to keep data for 12 months. The decision was taken without any debate by simple “affirmative” votes in the parliament and the Directive is to be implemented by […]

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May 21, 2008

New open doors for software patents in EU

(Dieser Artikel ist auch in deutscher Sprache verfügbar) Even though the European Parliament voted against the software patents in Europe in 2005, new measures that could make software patents enforceable are still being discussed with the US counterparts or within the framework of the Community Patent. The Foundation for a Free Information Infrastructure (FFII) reports […]

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November 19, 2003

Vote on IPR enforcement delayed again

The vote on the Draft Directive on the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights, originally foreseen for the meeting of the Judicial Affairs Committee of the European Parliament last Monday, has been postponed again. The Rapporteur, Janelly Fourtou (Conservative, France) had to give in to a request for delay supported by a majority composed of Social […]

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May 7, 2014 · Blogs

NETmundial, multistakeholderism and fair process

“I don’t know what you mean by “multistakeholder”, ” Alice said. Humpty Dumpty smiled contemptuously. “Of course you don’t—till I tell you. I meant “there’s a nice knock-down argument for you!” ” “But “multistakeholder” doesn’t mean “a nice knock-down argument”,” Alice objected. “When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, “it means […]

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January 15, 2004

Draft position EU Council on IPR Enforcement

The Irish Presidency of Council of the European Union has published a Draft Common position on the planned Directive on the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights. On 13 January the Document was discussed in Strasbourg with interested Members of the European Parliament and with the Commission officials who had drafted the initial proposal for the […]

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October 10, 2018 · Blogs | Privacy and data protection | Cross border access to data

Independent study reveals the pitfalls of “e-evidence” proposals

The conclusion of the study could not be clearer: “The added value of the new cooperation regime (quick and effective access to provider data) is mainly based on the abolition of cooperation obstacles and procedures ensuring effective protection of fundamental rights.”

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December 14, 2020 · Blogs | Highlights | Open internet and inclusive technology | Privacy and data protection | Biometrics | Freedom of expression online | Privacy and confidentiality | Surveillance and data retention

Statement: civil society challenges EU plans to expand biometric mass surveillance

On 9 December, the European Commission presented its new Security Union package, composed of the Counter-Terrorism Agenda and a proposal to strengthen the mandate of Europol. Originally intended for next year, the release of the Counter-Terrorism was accelerated due to recent attacks in France and Austria. When it comes to protecting fundamental rights from intrusive biometric surveillance, the proposals fall seriously short.

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July 12, 2016 · Blogs

Dutch parliament votes against internet filter

On 5 July 2016, the Dutch parliament voted against the introduction of an internet filter. Such a filter would be ineffective and would undermine trust in digital infrastructure. The internet filter was proposed as part of new legislation to regulate online gambling in the Netherlands. Currently, online gambling is prohibited. Of course, this doesn’t deter […]

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May 21, 2014 · Blogs

Legal analysis of the Data Retention ruling of the European Court

The legal service of the Council of the European Union has produced an analysis of the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union on the data retention Directive. While these documents are normally confidential, this text has been leaked and provides interesting insights into the ruling – making one wonder what justification […]

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