The European Parliament has voted against plans to withdraw internet access from those found guilty of sharing files illegally.

Some governments, including the British and French, had wanted to force internet service providers (ISPs) to cut off internet access for those found sharing copyrighted music or video files

The EU proposal, detailed in the Bono Report on the Cultural Industries, aimed to protect intellectual property rights. But MEPs narrowly voted against proposals which would have sanctioned the so-called 'three strikes and you're out' approach.

The amended report, adopted by the Parliament last week, argues against criminalising consumers and supports their free access to the internet. “Criminalising consumers who are not seeking to make a profit is not the right solution to combat digital piracy,” the report concluded.

The decision struck the wrong balance argued John Lovelock, chief executive of the Federation Against Software threat. "We are disappointed that MEPs seem not to be taking the future of our economy seriously as the UK Government is. There is always a balance of rights, but currently some consumers and businesses are doing their best to kill off some of our key creative industries which employ many people.”

Earlier this year, the UK government said it hoped voluntary agreements between ISPs and the creative industries – such as music and film – would provide a workable solution to the problem of illegal file-sharing. But the government could introduce legislation as early as April 2009 if no agreement is reached.