MPs Find Plans to Disconnect Illegal Downloaders Justifiable
A committee of British MPs reviewing the controversial plan to cut off the Internet connections of illegal downloaders has given its approval to the proposal by calling it ‘justifiable’. The committee’s nod comes amid highly voiced concerns by campaigners and ISPs.
The issue relates to the British Government’s Digital Economy Bill, which entails the plan to disconnect users who are repeatedly caught engaging in illegal downloading and file sharing. The scheme has been vehemently criticised by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and consumer rights groups. Both believe ISPs should not be given the task of controlling online behaviour, and that tracking the IP address of Internet pirates does in no way ensure that the actual downloader is penalised.
However, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Human Rights has a different take on the issue. The committee has, in fact, recommended the Government to take more far-reaching measures to protect online copyright. It has also sought a more clear explanation of the proposed rules, especially the definition of the term repeated offender. Ofcom has been asked to take care of the technical side of the proposed measures.
According to the committee, there is little chance that the implementation of these proposals will contravene the Internet users’ rights to privacy, freedom of expression or their rights to respect for their property rights. While admitting a “limited impact” of new rules that seek to prevent the violation of copyright, the committee found the plan to be fairly justifiable.
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