Mandelson: crackdown needed on illegal filesharing

Wed Oct 28 2009 22:28:40

Lord Mandelson has announced that Internet users who persistently download files illegally will face having their accounts suspended.

After a consultation process that has divided the telecoms and media industries, the Business Secretary indicated he is ready to push forward with the proposal.

Under the new rules, people would only be cut off from the internet after ignoring two prior warnings and there would be an appeal process for those targeted.

Measures could also include slowing down internet connections as an alternative to cutting off users altogether.

Lord Mandelson said the power, which is to be introduced under the Digital Economy Bill, would be used as a "very last resort" and would only affect "persistent rule breakers".

Unlawful file-sharing costs the music, film and other creative industries millions of pounds a year.

Speaking at a creative industries conference in Hertfordshire, Lord Mandelson said: "It's clear that whilst unlawful file-sharing excites a strong response from all sides, it is not a victimless act.

"It is a genuine threat to our creative industries... We cannot sit back and do nothing."

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