New rules offer breakthrough rights to European mobile phone and internet users
European Parliament lawmakers and EU governments have agreed on new draft telecommunication rules they say offer breakthrough rights to European mobile phone and internet users.
EU Telecoms Commissioner Viviane Reding said a deal was reached on Thursday after EU governments agreed to parliament demands to balance a crackdown on illegal downloaders with a broader set of rights for users.
She said authorities would no longer be able to immediately cut off internet services to users without providing evidence of illegal downloading.
The draft bill also includes efforts to bolster privacy and consumer rights and to increase competition for internet and phone services.
