German court rules that internet is ‘essential’

A German court has ruled that people have the right to claim compensation if their internet connection is disrupted.

According to Reuters, a court in Karlsruhe made the decision after hearing the case of a local man who had his internet and telephone connection cut for two months in late 2008.

Under German law, the loss of use of essential items can be claimed as compensation. Although the plaintiff had already received compensation for the cost of using a mobile phone, he wanted to claim for the lack of internet too, and the courts agreed.

“The Internet plays a very important role today and affects the private life of an individual in very decisive ways. Therefore loss of use of the Internet is comparable to the loss of use of a car,” said a court spokesman.

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