UK government plans to hit illegal downloaders
The UK government has announced plans to shakeup the UK online arena with a crackdown on those convicted of illegal downloads, a move which would see their broadband limited if they continue to offend after being warned. This is an issue which has been ongoing for some time and is central to the UK music industry where allegedly billions upon billions of pounds are being lost due to illegal file sharing and music piracy.
The proposals put forward by the UK government are currently under discussion although Internet service providers in the UK are concerned about the cost of running the scheme and the overall impact on many customers who do not download illegal material. If, as the government hopes, the changes are brought in then we will see potentially broadband cuts for persistent offenders from 2011 onwards.
However, privacy campaigners and Internet user groups are looking to ratchet up the pressure on the UK government which seems to have fallen on the side of the UK music and entertainment industry, at least in the short term. Those who follow this particular situation would be well aware of the alleged links between Lord Mandelson and various leaders in the music and entertainment industry, and a potential conflict of interest. However, these allegations have been denied by Lord Mandelson and the UK government and we appear to be moving forward with these new plans.
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