The issue focused on the Acta and some of its provisions, which have been called "unjust" by former European Court of Justice (ECJ) President John Gomart.

MEPs said that they were taking a stand for free speech.

In his address to MEPs, Mr Hoehndel also spoke out about the impact of Internet surveillance.

He said: "It is my experience in internet research that often state security services are using technology to access personal information