Britain Passes Strong Anti Piracy Law

Kris Erickson • Nov 23, 2009 • Comments ()

If you enjoy downloading the occasional copyrighted album, TV show, or PSP game and you live in Britain, the pirate party may soon be over. Today the British government introduced the controversial "Digital Economy" Bill, which contains strict provisions for tackling the issue of online piracy. Basically, the legislation would give power to government authorities to levy fines (of up to £50,000) and ban users from internet communication if they are suspected of sharing copyrighted material.

Don't throw out those eye patches or DVD-Rs just yet, however. The approach to file sharing will be a two stage process, with nothing but a slap on the wrist until stronger penalties are introduced next year. Initially the government will aim to educate consumers and, those identified as downloading illegal content will be sent stongly worded letters.

Similarly to recent legislation proposed in France, the government would eventually impose a "3 strikes rule" on those found to be downloading pirated material. In the spring of 2011, British Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will be forced to report and discipline users who are found to be engaging in file sharing behavior. ISPs will then have the ability to disconnect infringing users at the request of government authorities. Copyrighted material will include music, movies, television shows and video games, although the focus of the legislation is primarily on content produced in Britain.

The legislation has come under attack from a number of opposition groups for being overly vague and giving the government too much power to control internet communications.

The British government will also introduce age ratings on all boxed video games aimed at children aged 12 or over, although these restrictions do not significantly enhance existing video game rating rules.