P2P File Sharers are being tarred with the same brush as terrorists by the European parliament. Franco Frattini, EU security commissioner, outlined a new proposals designed to combat terrorism. In the proposals Frattini points the finger at the internet and specifically P2P filesharing for aiding and abetting the distribution of instructions for bomb-making.Few precise details on the proposals were given, but it appears the criminalisation of ’some information’ that could be used for terrorist attacks is imminent, surmises arstechnica.

While we don’t want to jump to conclusions either way without first knowing more details about the plans and the report that recommended them, we can only say that reducing the number of bombs in the world is generally A Good Thing. However, if the legislation is implemented in too broad a manner — even if the intentions are ultimately good — then lawmakers will be in danger of alienating and punishing the wrong people. Too narrow and it’s unlikely to have any effect at all.

It’s necessary, claims Frattini. Recent attempted terrorist attacks in the EU make such changes
inevitable and completely justified, he says:

The Commission thinks the time has come to change focus and devote resources to the security of the Union. The Union is at least as much a potential target of a terrorist attack as the United States

Recent foiled attacks in London and Glasgow, amongst others, underline this point. But will banning the circulation of bomb instructions on the internet in the EU really prevent terrorism? Do you fancy planning the team to enforce this law? Every great journey starts with the smallest of steps.

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