EU debates net neutrality and internet freedom

However, Harbour has said that Zimmerman's view of the report is unfounded. "The Telecoms package has never been about anything to do with restrictions on the internet," he said in a statement. Instead Harbour said that the report contained consumer-friendly measures, such as to allow consumers to change service providers more easily.

Meanwhile, Zimmerman questioned the change of direction from parliament, believing that it had transformed its own standpoint in order to avoid a third reading of the telecoms package and to create a consensus with the Council before the elections.

Jim Killock, from the Open Rights Group, echoed his concerns. "Although the European Parliament is supposed to represent the interests and rights of the users, it seems that it is trying to make compromises in agreeing on the limitations of the user rights pushed by the UK and France in the Council," he said.

Catherin Trautmann, meanwhile, is the author of the other report causing concern amongst web users relating to the Framework Directive.

Trautmann revised her report, and also stands accused by human rights groups of watering down safeguards to human rights and freedoms.

Trautmann replaced Amendment 138, which protected the right to freedom of expression on the internet by ensuring that no restrictions by regulators, such as Ofcom in the UK, can be applied without a court ruling.

Zimmerman said that users should "call their MEPs and tell them to vote to protect citizens' rights".

"Direct opposition to the Council of THE EU is preferable to backward steps on fundamental rights and freedoms, especially concerning the internet, which is so vital in structuring the future of our societies," he said.

"Moreover, the Citizens' Right Amendments do not directly oppose the compromise negotiated with the Council, they strengthen it."

Verizon declined to comment. AT&T could not immediately be reached.