NBC
German court: Internet access is now as “essential” as refrigerators
The legal decision means Germans now have the right to claim compensation from service providers if their Internet access is disrupted.
“Most people in Germany use the Internet daily. Thus, it has become an essential medium in the life of German society, the disruption of which has an immediate impact on the course of everyday life,” the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe stated.
The court made the ruling after hearing the case of a man who was unable to use his high-speed Internet connection, which also offered a telephone and fax line, for two months from late 2008 to early 2009.
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Two months? And he didn’t off hizzelf?
John the Libertarian on January 25, 2013 at 10:24 PM
And they say we should be more like Europe. But seriously, two months?! The Germans have fallen very far.
nobar on January 25, 2013 at 10:30 PM
“We need a government internet mandate!!” – Nazi Pelousi
“Call it an internet tax and you can have it … and if you don’t want to call it a tax, I will for you.” — Benedict Roberts
ThePrimordialOrderedPair on January 25, 2013 at 10:32 PM
What about microwaves? Aren’t they even more essential?
“We need a microwave mandate!!” — Nazi Pelousi
And pens. Who could live without pens?
ThePrimordialOrderedPair on January 25, 2013 at 10:37 PM
Two months is a very long time. I had trouble getting through 2 days without internet a couple years ago… I had to get my news from network news. AWFUL.
El_Terrible on January 25, 2013 at 10:50 PM
Fixed.
malclave on January 25, 2013 at 11:07 PM
I agree with this ruling. If the man had choices I may not but I think the TelCos in Germany are state utilities. It’s not like he could just up and get the service elsewhere.
Rocks on January 26, 2013 at 12:08 AM
As long as there is beer in there.
AshleyTKing on January 26, 2013 at 12:44 AM
Circular argument: Government control produces a problem -> Government control is needed to solve the problem. Following this thought process there will literally never be an end to the problems, nor an end to the controls.
That’s not to say that a lack of controls will solve all problems. But solutions that by definition produce new problems are not solutions at all.
Not to mention that there is no logical correlation to daily use of something and it’s necessity to life. I listen to music every day, but if the industry shut down tomorrow I’d go right on living a normal life.
Atlas on January 26, 2013 at 12:59 AM
I’m not saying I think it’s good just right given the situation Germany created in eliminating the ability to get a different service. Refrigerators aren’t essential either but that is the criteria Germany decided to use.
Rocks on January 26, 2013 at 2:56 AM
Let’s face it, the Internet has become a huge part of nearly everyone’s life. And, it will continue to become even more so. I will let German courts and people determine what the law is in Germany. Our courts and laws aren’t the best in the world either.
SC.Charlie on January 26, 2013 at 7:11 AM
refrigerators are not essential. all these modern comforts have only been around for 50 years or so. There is 6000+ years of human history before that. so quit whining.
tom daschle concerned on January 26, 2013 at 7:38 AM
I don’t get it. I pay for a service. If that service is not provided, I will demand a refund. If I’m required to use an alternative service to cover the first, I’ll demand compensation. Basic stuff.
It is interesting about the German ZFO list of essentials. If internet access is added, does that mean they can’t cut it off when you fail to pay the bill? They cannot repo cars or fridges? I wonder how this affects the price?
Phil-351 on January 26, 2013 at 7:56 AM
Oops, ZPO list, not ZFO.
Phil-351 on January 26, 2013 at 7:58 AM
The judge should have written “der b!tch” on his forehead with a marker and told him if he wasn’t out of the building in thirty seconds he’d be charged with contempt of court.
Good grief. We. Are. So. Spoiled.
MelonCollie on January 26, 2013 at 8:01 AM