The latest news on the government’s Digital Economy Bill is that it could breach human rights. The Joint Select Committee has said measures to tackle problems like persistent piracy were only vaguely outlined, while the over-heavy approach threatened to breach the rights of innocent web users.
Chair of the Committee, Andrew Dismore, agreed that the 21st century evolution of new technologies was creating problems, but that this alone could not justify restricting freedom of expression.
The Committee concentrated solely on the areas concerned with illegal file-sharing and new copyright legislation; even so, Mr Dismore said it had been difficult to get a clear intention of what the government’s intentions were. He is particularly concerned over new powers giving Ofcom the right to slow down or disconnect internet pirates, using 21st century technology. He wants to know how these new technologies would be applied.
One of the points the Committee raised was whether entire households would lose their connection if just one member was file-sharing. They are also concerned over Clause 17, which gives the government the right to amend copyright law without passing primary legislation. This has been condemned by web groups, who see it as an infringement of liberties, saying it would give the government sweeping and unprecedented powers over copyright. The latest news is that the Open Rights Group has joined the fight, calling the Bill draconian and damaging.
The government denies it is breaching the rights of the public to access new technologies, and say disconnection would only occur after several clear warnings. They have, however, admitted there are several areas requiring clarification.
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