Open internet

The European Court of Justice today issued a significant ruling in the SABAM vs Scarlet case, judging that internet service providers cannot be obliged to filter or block internet content. The Greens welcomed the ruling, hailing it as a landmark in guaranteeing the openness of the internet. Commenting on the ruling, Dutch Green MEP Judith Sargentini said:

“This ruling is an important landmark for efforts to guarantee a free and open internet in Europe. Net neutrality and openness are fundamental principles on which the internet has been founded and any moves to restrict this represent a violation of the freedom of expression, as well as undermining EU law. Instead of moving to restrict internet freedom, we should instead recognise the overwhelmingly positive opportunities presented by an open internet.

"This ruling also deals an indirect blow to the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) and moves to restrict internet freedoms under the agreement. The Greens have long argued that ACTA undermines basic EU rights and believe it should be referred to the ECJ for a legal opinion before its ratification. This ruling is indicative in this regard."