Scandinavian nations usually lead the way when it comes to the upholding of citizen rights. This has been proved yet again. The Norwegian government has refused to renew the license of the sole file-sharing monitoring law firm in the country. That means, users in Norway can now virtually share any files without the fear of eavesdropping by content providers.

Simonsen law firm has been monitoring file-sharing networks in Norway for more than a decade. In monitoring these networks, the firm would also collect the IP addresses of the users. It ran into trouble in 2009 when a debate ensued as to how far the firm can go in monitoring online file-sharing.

Now, Simonsen faces a far more critical problem. In March this year, the Privacy Appeals Board rejected the appeal by the firm to renew its license. So as of now, it has no license to watch online file-sharing in Norway. Essentially, this also means that users can now share files online without any fear or possible backlash.

According to the company, “When no one is authorized to process personal data in order to stop copyright infringement, it weakens licensees’ ability to pursue violations happening online, and thus their ability to protect their interests. We hope and believe that this problem will soon be solved.”

On the other hand, senior advisor to Norwegian Data Inspectorate, Cecilie Ronnevik says, “As of today no hunting of file-sharers is allowed in Norway.” However, she further says, ““We have been asked if we could accept an organization on the licensee side, a bit like Antipiratbyrån in Sweden. We will consider it if we get an application for a license.”

For now, no other organization has filed a request for the license. So all is well for the file-sharers in Norway who must be making the most of this opportunity.

Courtesy: Torrent Freak

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