Members of the European Parliament have rejected a proposal to cut the internet connections of people who are persistently caught illegally downloading music.

As reported on the Pro Mobile website in February, a european report suggested that these tough measures be put in place to curb the rise in the trend of illegal downloading. Under the proposal it would effectively make internet service providers into a pro active net police force. However, MEPs have voted to make an ammendment to the report to scrap the idea of cutting internet connections, saying that it infringes peoples civil liberties and human rights.


A spokesperson for the European Parliament said: 'The vote shows that MEPs want to strike a balance between the interests of rights' holders (such as record companies) and those of consumers, and that big measures like cutting off internet access shouldn't be used.'


This move places the European parliament at odds with the UK government who are keen to put an stop to illegal downloading.