Jan NettigIn a significant shift that marks the end of an era for digital file sharing in the Czech Republic, Uloz.to, the popular Czech file storage service, is set to undergo radical changes. This move comes in response to the new European regulations on the digital single market and digital services, known as the Digital Services Act (DSA).
The Turning Point for Uloz.to
Uloz.to, a service that has been at the center of several content-related disputes, is now compelled to cease its file-sharing operations. From December 1st, users will no longer be able to download content uploaded by others but will only have access to files they have uploaded themselves. This change signifies a major pivot in the service’s functionality, impacting nearly all of its users.
Compliance with Legislation
Jan Karabina, the executive of Cloud Platforms, which operates Uloz.to, emphasized the company’s commitment to adhering to Czech and European legislation. This adherence has been repeatedly confirmed by court rulings in various disputes, often targeted against the company.
Impact on Users
Starting next Friday, users will only be able to manage files they have uploaded to the storage themselves, meaning they cannot share these files with others or through direct links. Essentially, users can only use the content for their personal purposes. From the same day, Uloz.to’s cloud storage will be accessible only to registered users. However, the operators assure that people will not lose their personal files.
Options for Paying Users
For those paying for the service, if they choose not to continue under the new conditions, they can either terminate their accounts or switch to a free version. In such cases, any remaining subscription fees or credits will be refunded.
Exclusion of Uloz.to Live
It’s important to note that these changes only affect Uloz.to Disk, the cloud storage service, and not Uloz.to Live, the streaming service, which is regulated by different legislation and will continue to operate without changes.
A Response to DSA
The Digital Services Act (DSA) has been the driving force behind this new setting for Uloz.to. The DSA comprehensively regulates the digital services sector within the European Union, aiming to ensure the proper functioning of the single market, maintain a safe online environment, and protect users’ fundamental rights. This represents another challenge in the more than fifteen-year history of Uloz.to.
Legal Battles
Uloz.to has faced several legal disputes with companies demanding the removal of content. In July, the Constitutional Court rejected two complaints from television Nova in favor of the cloud storage service. The Supreme Court also ruled in favor of Uloz.to in a dispute with the agency Dilia. However, a verdict in a case with the film distributor CinemArt, which ordered Uloz.to to pay approximately 800,000 Czech korunas for distributing the film “Charlatan,” remains non-final.
