Israel Gives Copyright Owners a Fast Track to Block Infringing Websites

The Israeli Parliament voted Tuesday to approve an amendment to the country’s copyright law, giving intellectual property owners a fast track to request a court order to block access to websites infringing content rights, and to receive the personal information of infringing users. The be written into the books, the bill still pends further parliamentary approvals.

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The proposed bill also mentions options other than blocking access to websites, including removal of copyright infringing content, to balance privacy concerns and potential damage to websites.

The amendment also states that private users and educational institutions such as museums, libraries, and archives, which use copyrighted material found online for non-commercial purposes, cannot be sued for financial compensation without proof of damage. The use of orphan works, which have been created by unknown or untraceable people, will be allowed without restriction.

Another bill that was presented to Israeli parliament passing a perliminary vote would see local internet providers block porn websites as a default, allowing access only to customers willing to sign a special release form.