UK's Anti-File-Sharing Bill Could "Breach Human Rights"

Grumbleduke writes "The UK Parliament's Joint Committee on Human Rights has recently reported on the controversial Digital Economy Bill, which seeks to restrict the connections of anyone accused of infringing copyright using the Internet. According to the BBC, the committee noted the lack of details in the Bill as it stands, asking for 'further information' from the government on several issues. They also raised concerns that some punishments under the bill could be 'applied in a disproportionate manner' and said that the powers the bill granted to the Secretary of State (i.e. Lord Mandelson) were 'overly broad.' These echo the concerns raised in recent months by the Open Rights Group, a consortium of web companies including Facebook, Google, Yahoo, and eBay, as well as the UK's Pirate Party. The Bill is currently being scrutinized by the House of Lords, and if it passes there, will likely be forced through the Commons quickly, despite the opposition from the public, industry and members of parliament. The committee's full report can be found on the parliament website."

Comments

Priorities

[Chris Lawrence]

I can't believe governments are spending so much time and effort going after file sharing. The types of punishment being proposed are also completely out of proportion. Why not spend this much effort going after other widespread crimes such as rape and human trafficking? Also, shouldn't the government be spending a lot more time worrying about environmental damage and climate change? Our futures are at stake, yet the biggest problem seems to be people exchanging bits on the Internet.

Re:Priorities

[CRCulver]

While I don't subscribe to this, I've often heard it claimed on Slashdot and other forums that since the West has given up its manufacturing base to the developing world, all its economy has left is creative works like Hollywood and the music industry. Countries like China and India can accept massive pirating because their economy has another basis, but if the West allows free distribution of media, then it undermines all that is keeping it afloat.

Re:Priorities

[digitig]

I don't expect the Tories to be better though

I think that's a fair call. Every UK government in my lifetime -- and I'm no spring chicken -- has fought hard to increase it's own power, to limit the power of the population and to remove checks and balances on its actions. Irrespective of political party. This is something that I don't believe can be solved through the ballot box, because whoever wins the election will be handed enough power to be sure of corrupting them.

Re:The best outcome might be...

[Andy_R]

It's certainly the issue that get us the most publicity, but as party leader, I'd be much much happier if the Pirate Party UK helped to change the bill for the better.

There are some insanely draconian powers in the bill as it currently stands, it sidesteps the right to a fair trial, and the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty. It also makes the owner of a wifi access point punishable for allegations of copyright infringement, rather than being considered a common carrier, which will mean the end of free wifi in the UK.