Paris court shuts down "rate a teacher" web site Following legal action by teachers' trade unions, the internet site note2b.com has been taken down and the unions awarded a symbolic Euro in damages each.

Although it was recognised that students have a right to free speech, the court took the view that the publication of the full details of the teachers constituted a breach of data protection legislation. A top 10 list of teachers was published following the marks they were awarded by their students but the comments entered were considered inappropriate.

The teachers came out of court satisfied with the outcome, particularly as they had only hoped to get the offending document removed. The minister for education also expressed his satisfaction as he felt that teachers were under attack by students who enjoyed anonymity.

The management of the site however were very disappointed as they feel that this constitutes a break on the general development of the web and, in particular, the right to evaluate professional services.