June 27, 2011
Internet service providers (ISPs) keen to overhaul measures in the Government’s Digital Economy Act which charge them with hunting down copyright-infringers have failed to appeal against the new laws.
A case launched by BT and TalkTalk demanding a judicial review of the Act, which they claim violates EU laws on privacy and electronic communications, have been thrown out by the Court of Appeal.
In April, the High Court rejected BT and TalkTalk’s claim and the Court of Appeal has now refused to hear an appeal, despite TalkTalk’s threat to take the case to the European Court of Justice.
Under the Act, ISPs may be forced to disconnect users if copyright holders believe the user is violating their rights. Ofcom, the UK's media regulator, drafted plans last year that would force ISPs to hand over details of customers who were illegally sharing copyrighted material online to rights holders, allowing them to take subsequent action.
If the Government decides to enforce Ofcom's suggestions, ISPs could have to suspend users' internet access if they are found to be illegally downloading copyrighted material, currently a multi-billion pound plight on the world’s creative industries.
For more on the Digital Economy Act and how it could affect your internet habits, contact our experts today.
