Cut off in their prime
Illegall downloaders of films and music will have their broadband connection cut off under Government proposals to be announced today.
So, what does this mean:
- Internet users who share copyrighted materials with others will get warning letters, before having their internet connection stopped if they persist
- Government departments will assume the powers currently held by OFCOM to deal with these offenders
- In it’s Digital Britain report the Government said that this was a step too far, it is nonetheless going ahead with the proposals that report contained
- A similar ruling in France was declared unconstitutional by that country’s highest court
Illegal downloaders might have grounds to claim the British law is a breach of the Human Rights Act.
The decision will reignite speculation that Lord Mandelson made a deal with David Geffen, the Hollywood music and entertainments mogul, earlier this month. The Business Secretary reportedly met with David Geffen at Nat Rothschild’s villa in Corfu. Mr Geffen is one of the founders of Dreamworks.
Last night, a Department for Business spokesman (the Government Department Lord Mandelson heads) denied that Mr Mandelson spoke to David Geffen about online piracy, and said there was no connection between that meeting and the Government’s proposals.
How this proposal will be policed remains to be clarified as does the issue of how an illegal download is defined. In addition, if P2P sites are criminalised further there is a risk that they will go further underground and ramp up efforts to stay steps ahead of government and regulators. This doesn’t justify illegal downloads, but is a valid part of the wider discussion.
Can’t understand why they haven’t already installed cctv in my loo and bedroom. Just about the only places left they haven’t poked their noses into.
Comment by Jayho — August 27, 2009 @ 2:04 pm