Norway has been pressured to address digital pirates for a while now, and one year ago the government finally introduced a new law. However, thus far, no file-sharer has ever been inquired about nor has a single website blocking request been filed.

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A 2011 decision in Norway disallowed the only entity that had right to gather information on peer-to-peer networks from doing so, which meant that tracking copyright infringers without permission would breach privacy legislation. The same year, Ministry of Culture amended the local Copyright Act and promised to enable the content industries to pursue pirates. Finally, the new tough law went into effect in July 2013. Under the law, groups seeking to spy on pirates only needed to receive permission from the Data Inspectorate. Of course, MPAA affiliates did so within the first few months, but nothing followed.

In short words, no personal details of file-sharers had been handed over to copyright owners. The lack of requests might be connected with the greater number of legal services now available on the Internet. Nevertheless, there also appears to be a lack of interest from rights owners who just need to register with the authorities to collect IP addresses. Data Inspectorate confirmed that there are currently 12 entities who have advised them and can now collect data, but no messages have been received in a long time. 11 of that dozen registered a year ago, including a successful application from the Norwegian Pirate Party. One more application was submitted in 2014, but none of them have sought personal details.

In addition, the new legislation also allows for the blocking of websites confirmed to breach copyright law, but no visible movement was seen on that front either. The Pirate Bay still remains accessible in the country in spite of the threats to have it blocked. Anyway, this process is supposed to take a while, especially taking into account that local Internet service providers refuse to do this voluntarily. Copyright owners were expected to use whatever available to fight piracy, after lobbying hard over many years, but they are just doing nothing for a year now.

It remains to be seen what strategy is going forward, but for now Norway can rest easy, without fear of being targeted by police for downloading another TV show for Sunday evening with family.