July 06, 2010
As the Deputy Prime Minister appeals for help in deciding which current laws need amending, the public’s overwhelming reply has been ‘scrap the Digital Economy Act’.
On July 1st, Nick Clegg announced the launch of a new government website, encouraging members of the public to put forward ideas about laws and regulations which should be abolished.
But the “Your Freedom” site has received over 500 requests from angry internet users opposing the recently enforced Digital Economy Act, with many accusing the law of bending to creative industry demands.
The Act, which emerged under the final weeks of an outgoing Labour government, contains a number of controversial measures relating to copyright infringement. Internet Service Providers have been urged to reveal infringing customers, while provisions for restricting or potentially cutting off offenders’ internet access have also been proposed.
Concerns have also emerged around the way in which the bill was conceived, with many claiming it was drawn by ‘technophobe’ politicians and the process of debate was not rigorous enough.
"This bill was designed to benefit a sector of business not the populous, which will set a precedence that is potentially Orwellian. If a company believes you've infringed their copyright, let them prove it in a court of law - and foot the bill, not me," argued one opponent on the Your Freedom site.
Before shaking hands on a coalition deal, Nick Clegg’s Liberal Democratic Party pledged to repeal the Digital Economy Act, but signs of revolt have so far gone unnoticed.
Regardless of past politics, the government has vowed to listen to the public’s view on current legislation and only the future will show whether that promise is fulfilled.
If the Digital Economy Act and its ‘draconian’ measures are making you question your internet usage, or you believe you could be unfairly targeted for copyright infringement, approach your local solicitor and they will help iron out any issues surrounding the newly formed law.
