Criticism over website blocking

Industry plans to block certain websites that have been classed as piracy websites have come under fire from online consumer groups, with calls for further debate on the issue.

It has been reported that industry plans to block internet websites that allow the streaming of copyrighted material for free for broadband users have come under fierce criticism from online consumer groups. This comes after a recent meeting that was attended by communications minister Ed Vaizey, copyright holders and Internet Service Providers.

It is reported that the Open Rights Group (ORG), which is a digital campaign group, is outraged that although it requested to attend the meeting the request was turned down. The group has said that further debate is needed on the topic and that for policies to be formed in this way was ‘unacceptable’.

Jim Killock, executive director of the ORG, said: “It is unacceptable for trade groups and the government to conduct policy in this way. Censorship proposals must be discussed in public. Many of us will oppose any censorship that impacts directly and widely on free expression.”

However, following criticism from ORG and other consumer and campaign groups a spokesperson from the Department for Culture Media and Sport stated: “The government hosted a useful discussion between ISPs and rights holders on issues around industry proposals for a site blocking scheme to help tackle online copyright infringement. Consumer representatives were invited and Consumer Focus attended the meeting.”

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Source – BBC