Plans to suspend the Internet accounts of people who download music illegally are unfair, according to BT’s chief executive, Ian Livingston.

Livingston says illegal file-sharers should be fined rather than have their Internet accounts cut off. He and other industry figures have written to the Financial Times urging changes to the Digital Economy Bill.

Livingston says plans to suspend Internet access for file-sharers goes against natural justice. Instead he is calling for fines which those accused of downloading could choose to pay, or fight in court. He said this alternative approach would “create a fund” and “you get some good, rather than getting some hurt out of people infringing copyright”.

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