UK Government to disconnect file-sharers from 2011

[memory hole]

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/352864/gove ... -from-2011

The Government has confirmed that it will begin cutting off illegal file-sharers in 2011, as it looks to end "consequence-free" file-sharing.

Business secretary Lord Mandelson confirmed that the UK would adopt the controversial three-strikes system in April next year, which will ultimately see persistent file-sharers sent two warning letters before being cut off from the internet.

However, the Government will initially withhold the threat of disconnection, while Ofcom is tasked with measuring the effectiveness of warning letters - a study that will last a year. If illegal file-sharing is not reduced 70% by April 2011, the Government will begin ordering that illegal file-sharers be disconnected.

    It must become clear that the days of consequence-free widespread online infringement are over

"It must become clear that the days of consequence-free widespread online infringement are over," Mandelson told attendees of the Cabinet government forum.

"I was shocked to learn that only one in 20 music tracks in the UK is downloaded legally. We cannot sit back and do nothing. The British Government's view is that taking people's work without due payment is wrong and that, as an economy based on creativity, we cannot sit back and do nothing as this happens.

"Technical measures will be a last resort and I have no expectation of mass suspensions resulting. People will receive two notifications and if it reaches the point [of disconnection] they will have the opportunity to appeal," he added.

Costs shared

Responding to claims by ISPs that policing the internet would add significantly to their costs, he claimed "ISPs and rights-holders will share the costs, on the basis of a flat fee that will allow both sides to budget and plan," he said, though further details of this scheme were not forthcoming.

The Internet Service Providers Assoication, which represents the UK's ISPs proclaimed itself "extremely disappointed" by the Government's stance.

    ISPs and consumer groups consider disconnection of users to be a disproportionate response

"ISPs and consumer groups consider disconnection of users to be a disproportionate response, a view that has been supported by the European Parliament," it says in a statement.

"It is our view that legislation on enforcement should only be introduced on the condition that the Government and rights holders also commit to significant licensing reform.

"Internet companies remain extremely frustrated by the ongoing difficulties in securing licensing that is needed to offer consumers legal alternatives through new models of online content distribution," it concludes.

This seems like a classic scam using one excuse to give them powers to cut off peoples internet.

Is it really about file sharing, or, seeing as Jewminati, satanic,  rothschild whipping boy Mandelson is at the helm of this, makes me think its slightly more sinister. i.e, any excuse to cut people off from an altenative media source, keeping them from the truth under the banner of "illegal fileharing".

What ya'll rekon?

[Ognir]

All those poor people with open WIFIs will be getting letters

Yeah yeah more bullshit