CNET: Scientology loss keeps hyperlinks legal

In a closely-followed trial, the Church of Scientology lost its claim that a Dutch writer's mere linking to copyrighted material constituted a violation in and of itself. The decision brings relief, as few legal experts were confident in predicting the Dutch court's likely response. Dutch courts have in the past made several rulings that would have made Internet provision quite difficult, including a now-overturned decision that Internet service providers are accountable for copyright violations committed by its subscribers.