A Thursday night compromise between the governments of the European countries and consumer organizations resulted in the agreement of the European lawmakers on new protections for Internet users.

The deadlock between the governments and the consumer organizations - respectively seeking imposition of tough anti-piracy laws and Internet access as an indisputable right – was the key obstacle in the way of the passage of all-encompassing changes to European telecommunications law.

With the disagreement over Internet access finally resolved, European countries will be allowed to adopt “three-strikes” rules targeting P2P users, on the supposition of innocence, guard privacy, and permission for judicial appeal.

As per the compromise, the governments’-suggested disconnection of Internet access, to crack down on digital copying of music and movies, has been approved on the condition that the disconnection decision will be put through a legal review.

The recent agreement has been widely hailed by supporters who opine that the move will legally fortify the right to Internet access in Europe, along side the check on extensive criminal piracy.

Commenting on the agreement, the amendment’s sponsor, Catherine Trautmann - a member of parliament from Strasbourg, France – said: “This is a very fundamental step. It is the first time that we affirm that access to Internet is an essential tool to exercise fundamental rights and freedoms. It is progress for the rights of citizens.”