Internet ban for copyright infringers gets closer

Lord Mandelson sets target date for suspension of internet access for persistent illegal downloaders

The threat of internet account suspension for people accused of illegally downloading copyright material has moved a step closer.

Such measures could be in place by 2011 with alleged offenders given only two warnings and not three as previously believed, before their service is cut off with no prior judicial hearing; although according to Lord Mandelson there would be an appeals procedure.

Speaking today at a C &binet (Creativity and Business International Network) forum, Lord Mandelson, business secretary, said that the Government had taken the decision to introduce technical measures and update legislation to safeguard and protect the UK’s creative industries.

He said there was a pervasive culture among young people for not paying for things online, such as music and movies - with only one in 20 music tracks in the UK downloaded lawfully. He warned that only a real deterrent, such as suspension of service, would work.

“We cannot sit back and do nothing. We will put in place a fair, thorough process, involving clear warnings to people suspected of unlawful file sharing, with technical measures such as account suspension only used as a very last resort," he said.

Legislation that will allow the Government to introduce internet account suspension is expected to be introduced in the Digital Economy bill in November and come into force in April. Warning letters would be sent for the first 12 months, but if illegal file sharing has not fallen by 70 per cent by April 2011, internet account suspension could begin that summer.

Critics slam 'disproportionate response' Although Lord Mandelson didn’t think introducing this "proportionate measure" would lead to mass suspensions, the Internet Service Providers' Association (ISPA) has critcised the plans.

In a statement it said that although it doesn't condone illegal downloading, "ISPA is extremely disappointed that Government intend to legislate to force the disconnection of users based on a notice, a move that is contrary to many of the aims of Digital Britain.