Digital Economy Bill explained
- Published
New films like Kick-Ass are often the target of internet piracy
The last time the public got this wound up over anything in Parliament was the MPs' expenses scandal.
The Digital Economy Bill doesn't sound as sexy, or contain the word "scandal"; however it's sparked online campaigns, protest groups and petitions.
More than 20,000 people have written to their member of parliament, complaining that it is being rushed through.
Despite that, the bill looks likely to be passed before the general election.
What's the bill for?
The Digital Economy Bill is designed to update Britain's laws to cope with changing technology.
It covers a range of areas, including the switchover to digital radio, the running of Channel 4, and age certification on video games.
What's so controversial?
It's the stuff about file sharing and downloading that is getting all the attention.
The Digital Economy Bill contains measures to stop piracy by targeting users who break copyright law, and websites that host material illegally.
It would give the government, courts and telecoms watchdog Ofcom new powers to take action against downloaders.
Campaigners are angry because they say the legislation is being fast-tracked to get it passed before the election.
They claim something this serious deserves more discussion in Parliament.
What would it do?
The Digital Economy Bill wants to:
Cut-off internet users who download videos and music illegally. Warning letters would be sent first. There is also an appeals process.
Hand over users' name and address details to copyright owners who could then sue them for stealing their content.
Force internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to websites that host content illegally. The company that owns the copyright would have to go to court to get this.
Has it been rushed?
Campaigners and some politicians say yes. The bill is expected to be passed through the 'wash up' process where legislation is passed quickly ahead of the election.
The government says no, and that the bill has been given plenty of discussion in the Houses of Commons and Lords.
That process has led to several changes along the way, including the dumping of a clause that would have allowed the Secretary of State to make future changes to copyright law without consulting Parliament.
However, opponents claim the bill is still too vague and will result in a scrambled together piece of bad legislation.