MEPs vote against illegal downloading ban

Amendment approved which says banning those who download content illegally conflicts with civil liberties

European MPs have voted down a proposal to impose internet banning orders on individuals who illegally download content.

The move conflicts with a UK government plans for a three strike system against illegal downloaders.

"The vote shows that MEPs want to strike a balance between the interests of rights holders and those of consumers, and that big measures like cutting off internet access shouldn't be used," said a spokeswoman for the European Parliament after the vote.

A report on the creative industries suggested that European governments should ban persistent offenders.

But MEPs backed an amendment to the report which said such bans would conflict with the basic human right of access to the internet.

The report is not a law or directive – meaning the UK government is free to pursue the three strikes legislation - but may influence European policy in the future.