Court of Justice rules on access and retention of IP addresses for the purpose of combating copyright infringements online (La Quadrature du Net)

Table of contents

• What are the practical implications of this case?
• What was the background?
• What did the court decide?
• Case details

Article summary

EU Law analysis: On 30 April 2024, the Court of Justice ruled in the case of ‘La Quadrature du Net and others v Prime Minister, Minister of Culture’. The judgment addresses the legality of the retention and access to personal data, specifically IP addresses, by public authorities for the purpose of combating copyright infringements online. The court held that such access is permissible only under strict conditions and subject to prior judicial review. This decision has significant implications for data protection and the rights of internet users within the EU. Written by Alexander Schmalenberger, knowledge lawyer at Taylor Wessing in Hamburg.