According to the report by the UN Human Rights Council it does. Frank La Rue compiled the report. Cutting of users from internet access based on copyright violations or political turmoil should never be allowed according to the UN.

In France, the so-called Three Strikes Law exists. Users are disconnected from the internet after they have violated the copyrights three times in a row because of illegal downloading. The report sees this law as alarming. Only sites with child pornography must be disconnected according to La Rue.

An interesting development since the report goes on to urge States to change copyright laws, not in favor of the music and movie industries as has been the recent trend, but in keeping with citizens’ rights.

You might wonder what the best solution for the illegal downloading of music. An international treaty like the UN now has intended? Or less stringent measures for users who are seriously infringing copyrights? Such a s giving fines, instead of cutting off access to the internet?

In any case, the reaction of countries like France and the UK will not let us wait and it is still questionable whether these countries will (immediately) agree and follow the goals and the measures envisaged in this report.

Surely to be continued.

References: Nu.nl and UN Journal