Thackray Williams

The Government has published new measures that could see people who illegally download films and music cut off from the net.
The amendment to the Digital Britain report would see regulator Ofcom given greater powers to tackle pirates.  The technical measures are likely to include suspending the net accounts of "hardcore copyright pirates". According to a recent BBC report the Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has intervened personally to beef up the policy.

The Digital Britain report, published in June, gave Ofcom until 2012 to consider whether technical measures to catch pirates were necessary. However, according to a recent statement from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, that timeframe is now considered "too long to wait".  Stephen Timms, minister for Digital Britain, explained the change of heart.
"We've been listening carefully to responses to the consultation this far, and it's become clear there are widespread concerns that the plans as they stand could delay action, impacting unfairly upon rights holders," he said.
ISPs have repeatedly said that it is not their job to police the web. There is likely to be widespread anger over the tougher stance being adopted by the government.

For advice on the law relating to intellectual property contact Hema Ramachandra on 020 8290 0440 or email hema.ramachandra@thackraywilliams.com