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The European Parliament has rejected a global anti-piracy deal aimed at fighting copyright theft amid fears it threatens internet freedom.

A total of 478 MEPs voted against ACTA, the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement. Just 39 supported it with 165 abstentions.

The proposed law will now have to be renegotiated by the European Commission, the EU’s executive.

The thumbs-down from Strasbourg marks a victory for activists who say the legislation would punish people for sharing films and music on the internet.

Tens of thousands have held rallies across Europe to protest against the law, which they say would allow officials to spy on their online activities.

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