I expect most people are aware of the debate surrounding the UK Government’s proposals to disconnect alleged illegal file sharers from the internet without a fair trial. This is the so called “Three Strikes” system which has the potential to cut entire households off from the net due to the alleged actions of one family member or because of a hacked wireless router. This is despite the Government’s own Digital Britain Report espousing the benefits of, and need for, universal broadband internet access.
Last week it emerged that Secretary of State Peter Mandelson wants to make additional changes to the Digital Economy Bill which would give him and his successors the power to make “secondary legislation” (legislation that is passed without debate) to change the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act to create new remedies for combating online copyright infringement as well as the ability to impose “duties, powers or functions on any person as may be specified” and giving rights holders new investigative and enforcement powers. All without debate. See Boing Boing for the full horrors.
Disconnecting people from the net would be a hugely disproportionate response in my view and flies in the face of the ambition stated in the Digital Britain Report “To ensure that everyone can share in the benefits of a digital Britain” but Mandelson’s new proposals take things to another level, they are simply outrageous – giving someone in an unelected position the ability to create further legislation related to this contentious issue without debate is dangerous and must not be allowed.
If you agree please contact your MP to voice your disapproval and if you believe disconnecting people from their broadband connections is wrong please sign the petition to the Prime Minister.
Most Popular