ISPs call for review of Digital Economy Act

Two leading broadband internet service providers are calling for a review of the Digital Economy Act, stating that the law in its current form could infringe the basic freedoms and rights of consumers.

The Digital Economy Act has been causing controversy even before it was passed into law, with many concerned over certain clauses that were included in the act. It has now emerged that two broadband internet providers have called for a review of the Act, stating that in its current form the Act infringes on the based freedoms and rights of consumers.

One of the measures outlined in the Act is the disconnection of persistent file sharers. The Digital Economy Bill was passed into law prior to the dissolution of parliament in the run up to the general election in May. The two Internet Service Providers that are now challenging the act are Talk Talk and BT, who want the courts to clarify whether the Act conflicts with current EU regulations.

The Act is said to have been rushed into law prior to the dissolution of parliament, and at that time the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, who is now the deputy Prime Minister in the coalition government, said: “We did our best to prevent the digital economy bill being rushed through at the last moment. It badly needed more debate and amendment.”

Charles Dunstone from Talk Talk said: “The Digital Economy Act’s measures will cost the UK hundreds of millions and many people believe they are unfair, unwarranted and won’t work. Innocent broadband customers will suffer and citizens will have their privacy invaded.” A BT official added: “We feel we have no choice. We have to do this for our customers.”

Source – Guardian