Internet users who illegally download films and music will have their broadband connection cut off under Government proposals due to be announced today. The decision means internet users who share copyrighted materials with others will get warning letters, before having their connection stopped if they persist.
Government departments are taking over the power to deal with these offenders from the current regulators, Ofcom. This approach was originally ruled out by the Government in its own Digital Britain report released in June, in which it labelled the move as a step too far.
The decision will reignite speculation that Lord Mandelson made a secret deal with Hollywood mogul David Geffen earlier this month on the protection of the film and music industries.
The Business Secretary met with Mr Geffen, a co-founder of the Dreamworks production company, at Nat Rothschild's villa in Corfu. Following this, he ordered civil servants at the Department of Business , Innovation and Skills to toughen up the proposals on illegal file-sharers.
The Government's draft plan states: 'The previous proposals, whilst robust, would take an unacceptable amount of time to complete in a situation that calls for urgent action.'
The then communications minister Lord Carter said in June that illegal downloaders should be sent warning letters and then considered for prosecution if they persist.
He said if that measure failed to reduce digital piracy by 70 per cent, Ofcom could then approach telecoms company BT to apply 'technical measures' to reduce connection speeds.
But today the Government will propose much stricter rules halfway through its consultation on Digital Britain, it was reported in the Guardian.
Illegal file-sharers will still get warning letters, but if they continue to swap copyrighted material they could have their internet connection cut off temporarily. (Daily Mail)
