EU to tighten rules on Internet copyrights

European countries are following the example of the United States in strengthening regulations on the free downloading of Internet files. On Wednesday, the European Parliament passed a law to reinforce the protection of Internet copyrights by introducing extensive restrictions on the free downloading of audio-visual files from the Internet.

The law will allow the copyright holder to use a file code to prevent arbitrary downloading by individuals. When the law takes effect, it would bar the operation in the European Union (EU) of such Web sites as Napster, whose free distribution of music files was ruled illegal in a U.S. court early this week.

However, the law permits the free downloading of audio-visual files that are to be used for the public good by educational institutions, museums or libraries. Internet users could not download those materials in quantity or for commercial purposes, but for a small fee, would be allowed to download music video files to share among a small circle of friends.

The law says the method of "streaming" that enables Internet users to listen to music or view movies would be free of charge. The law would go into force subject to the consent of the European Union Council and ratification by 15 of the union members. Free downloading of these files would come under extensive restrictions around August 2002, analysts believe.

Enrico Bocelli, the Italian member of the EU parliament who initiated the legislation, said the era of rampant illegal piracy of copyrights is coming to an end. Jay Berman, chairman of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), which represents more than 1,400 record and videotape producers around the world, said the new law stands in the middle ground between general audiences, who want access to a wide range of music and video products, and the record-videotape industry, which wants to protect its copyrights.

Chung Mi-Kyoung mickey@donga.com