The exemption for hosting service providers should apply in relation to information stored at the request of a recipient of the service. In situations in which the provider has not played an active role of such a kind as to give it knowledge or control of the information stored, that provider should not be held liable. The exemption from liability should also apply in situations in which the provider does not have control over the recipient of the service. However, the provider should not benefit from the exemption in situations where, under the direction or authority of the recipient of the service, it has decisive influence over the information stored, for instance where the provider modifies the information.