BT attacks anti-piracy plans
October 7, 2009
BT Group has criticised a government proposal that would allow UK authorities to suspend Internet access temporarily for those who engage repeatedly in copyright-infringing file sharing.
BT said the 'summary justice' proposal undermines rights to due process and raise costs for consumers by requiring expensive network interventions on the part of ISPs. BT also said that temporary bans on access would fail to curtail encrypted file-sharing activities, while wielding unintended effects, such as preventing households from accessing legal services.
It “would institute a regime in which an alleged infringer could face punishment or redress without any kind of judicial scrutiny,” the BT response said. “A vicious circle of mistrust between those involved will surely result, with deleterious consequences for all the industries involved, let alone consumers.”
The Department for Business Innovation and Skills said its response to BT’s comments, and other official comments on its proposals, will come in late November.
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