UK government forced to redraft Digital Economy Bill
The UK government has been forced into an embarrassing U-turn amid signs that the Digital Economy Bill, which has attracted so much controversy, would have been blocked in Parliament in its current form. This comes despite the fact that the UK government only days ago confirmed plans to rush through the Digital Economy Bill with little or no time for discussion, ahead of the next general election.
While there are a number of issues which have caught the attention of businesses, consumers and regulators around the UK, it is the fact that power will be passed to the courts to disconnect those alleged to be involved in copyright infringement, without recourse for appeal, which is proving a major sticking point. There are other issues hidden away deep within the Bill which are also causing concern but it is the fact that so much power has been handed to media companies and the courts which is upsetting many people.
The Liberal Democrats have publicly confirmed they will not allow the bill to go through the Houses of Parliament in its current form, which has forced the UK government to water down the power which the bill would have transferred to various bodies. While there is no doubt that copyright infringement and the illegal downloading of files is a major problem on the Internet, many believe the Digital Economy Bill is using a sledge hammer to crack a nut.
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