Illegal downloaders will have internet cut off under new Mandelson plan

[TriWooOx]

Quote:Internet users who illegally download films and music will have their broadband connection cut off under Government proposals due to be announced today.

The decision means internet users who share copyrighted materials with others will get warning letters, before having their connection stopped if they persist.

The move triggered anger among campaigners who claim it flies in the face of ministers' desire for universal broadband access.

The decision will reignite speculation that Lord Mandelson made a secret deal with Hollywood mogul David Geffen earlier this month on the protection of the film and music industries.

The Business Secretary met with Mr Geffen, a co-founder of the Dreamworks production company, at Nat Rothschild's villa in Corfu.

Following this, he ordered civil servants at the Department of Business , Innovation and Skills to toughen up the proposals on illegal file-sharers.

The Government's draft plan states: 'The previous proposals, whilst robust, would take an unacceptable amount of time to complete in a situation that calls for urgent action.'

The then communications minister Lord Carter said in June that illegal downloaders should be sent warning letters and then considered for prosecution if they persist.

He said if that measure failed to reduce digital piracy by 70 per cent, Ofcom could then approach telecoms company BT to apply 'technical measures' to reduce connection speeds.

But today the Government will propose much stricter rules halfway through its consultation on Digital Britain, it was reported in the Guardian.

Illegal file-sharers will still get warning letters, but if they continue to swap copyrighted material they could have their internet connection cut off temporarily.

A similar law in France, which threatened persistent offenders with disconnection for a year, was kicked out by its highest court as being 'unconstitutional'.

Illegal downloaders could claim the British law is a breach of the Human Rights Act.

Jim Killock, executive director of the Open Rights Group, which campaigns to raise awareness of digital rights and civil liberties issues, said: 'Suspension of internet access would restrict people's fundamental right to freedom of expression.

'It would also fly in the face of the Government's policy of universal broadband access.'

He went on: 'This policy u-turn seems to have taken place as the result of a few private conversations. It smacks of a knee-jerk reaction at a time when copyright infringement is reducing and online revenues are increasing.

'(Lord) Mandelson risks bringing copyright into disrepute.'

But the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), which represents the recorded music industry, welcomed the move as a helpful "step forward" in the fight against piracy.

BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor said: "Digital piracy is a serious problem and a real threat to the UK's creative industries.

'We welcome the Government's recognition that this problem needs to be addressed urgently, so today is a step forward that should help the legal digital market to grow for consumers.

'The solution to the piracy problem must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

'We look forward to working with Government and ISPs on the details of these proposals to ensure these objectives are met.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12...Mandy-plan.html

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As if it's about copyrighted material.

Rothschild villa in Corfu? Another target aquired come the resistance.

[TriWooOx]

Quote:As if it's about copyrighted material.

Rothschild villa in Corfu? Another target aquired come the resistance.

Rothschild villa in Corfu? Another target aquired come the resistance. <-- must try and vist that place lol... wonder if they will do a tour:)

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Quote:

Quote:As if it's about copyrighted material.

Rothschild villa in Corfu? Another target aquired come the resistance.

Rothschild villa in Corfu? Another target aquired come the resistance. <-- must try and vist that place lol... wonder if they will do a tour:)

We will make our own tour come the time. All empires crumble eventually..they will get their comeuppance.