The Government has backed down over widespread criticism focussing on a specific issue contained within the Digital Economy Bill. Largely focussing on the need to crackdown on illegal downloaders, the bill outlined a proposal would negate ministers to go before parliament if they wanted to make future changes. However, due to criticism that it was too “draconian” they have admitted that they will now be “refining” the bill before it goes for approval in the House of Lords.
Particularly resounding as a negative plan for companies including Facebook and Google, they argued that making such a law would not allow for future digital innovation. Meanwhile other’s expressed that the powers were above and beyond what was needed to crack down on copyright infringement. Upon heavy criticism, and with both Lib Dem and Conservative ministers saying that they would not back the deal, a spokesman for the Department of Business said “The Government remains squarely behind the aims of clause 17. We have tabled a series of amendments which aim to clarify the breadth and scope of the clause and further reinforce the transparency of the process and the scrutiny of Parliament.”
Meanwhile, plans to allow disconnection of those individuals who share files amongst themselves, continue. Despite a 30,000 named petition expressing that innocent people would be penalised, and that internet hackers would simply use other people’s accounts, ministers said that the procedures were needed and accounts only be suspended as a last resort.
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Lets hope the momentum continues and the Lords stop this stupid bill from becoming law. There is no way real pirates can be stopped. The way to stop fileshare is to make a viable alternative. After years of milking generations of kids paying oTT for copies of music it is time they came up with a fairer business model. The good days are gone for the greedy publishers. Play fair, an don’t expect the UK government to fall for Mandy’s ploy to protect you. They are seeing through it at last. Hope it is in time…
chris