uSwitch.com Broadband News

Lib Dems 'will repeal digital economy bill'

5

Comments
News

Posted at 2:54pm by

default

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has suggested the party would repeal the digital economy bill if it wins power at the next election.

Speaking at The Student Room, Mr Clegg said the party had always stood against the plans and did all it could to stop the legislation from being rushed through this month.

Among its measures is the suggestion that persistent illegal filesharers should be disconnected from the internet.

The Liberal Democrat leader claimed more debate is needed on the topic, particularly as there are worries that innocent people will have their broadband connections cut off.

"It was far too heavily weighted in favour of the big corporations and those who are worried about too much information becoming available. It badly needs to be repealed, and the issues revisited," he added.

Mr Clegg's comments have come after broadband provider TalkTalk recently confirmed it will continue to oppose the legislation, despite it taking a step towards being formally recognised.

Related news

5

Comments

5 comments

  • @0ib, 19th April 2010, via Twitter.

    Lib Dems 'will repeal digital economy bill' http://bit.ly/9Xlk1P

  • Krish, 19th April 2010.

    I am voting Clegg. All my colleagues are too. He is our only real hope.

    Reply

  • Parijat, 20th April 2010.

    @Krish You sound so sure you will get disconnected. Why dont u just stop downloading other people's hard work(music/software/games/movies) for free so that even they get some hope and u get to keep your connection?

    Reply

  • Jahanagir, 20th April 2010.

    Nick Clegg is the only hope we have as a country of turning things around. For too long there has been this move towards an untenable form of right-spectrum government posing as left-wing interested parties. I have been warning about this for ages. Civil liberties have been eroded as more and more we are at the mercy of corporations and de-regulation of what we (in the UK) consider to be staple services. And a worrying bent towards privitisation of a sort which doesn't work in the UK.

    This DE Bill represents the corporation making their move in an arena open to all as a free forum without checks & balances - no matter what their lobbyists tell you. Vote Clegg; it's the only realistic option to save Britain, and worst-case scenario is we get a hung-government... not a bad thing at such a time.

    Reply

  • Vanessa, 21st April 2010.

    The Digital Economy Act will result in an army of US law firms suing British citizens, resulting in further damage to the UK's economy (an estimated £4 billion a year if you use BPI figures and do a little research, like analysing the most popular downloads on "The Pirate Bay" - well over 90% are American films and music).

    It will mostly be hard working families who happen to have teenage kids who will be hit hardest. This demographic has already been hit hard by the recession and reckless Labour spending. Now, millions will be sent letters along the lines of "pay us £800 (average) or face court action, where you could be liable for much more".

    Don't forget the person who pays for the Internet bill is the one who will be held liable, regardless of whether or not he/she had knowledge of piracy on his/her home network. Also, the evidence will be gathered by the BPI, and an accusation is proof enough of guilt. Sure, you'll be able to appeal, but it will cost you money (legal advice, network forensic specialist etc).

    Sharing a Wi-Fi connection, even with family members, just became a very risky business. The BPI have already publicly announced that they're going to resume suing people en mass (volume litigation). So much for "Digital Britain". I'm voting Nick Clegg.

    Reply

  • Martin, 22nd April 2010.

    @Parijat You don't have to personaly download anything to be accused. That's why the law is so flawed. The methods used in "evidence" collecting are flakey at best. Just look at the false accusations in the past - dead people and a print server to name the most ridiculous. Also, ask the hundreds of people falsely accused by ACS:Law.

    And all this is without taking into account things like WIFI hijacking and cloned modems. So it's not as black and white as you seem to think.

    Reply

Add your comment