Even though it would be naive to suggest that illegal file sharing does not occur on a daily basis, the government seems to have tarred every single broadband user in the UK with the same brush. The grandly named Digital Britain report, released by Lord Carter, has opened up a very interesting and potentially controversial debate regarding a new “Rights Agency” to address the problem of illegal copying and file sharing over the Internet.
Initially the idea is that ISPs, music companies and the film industry will all pay a levy towards a central fund which will be used to make the public aware of the consequences of illegal file sharing and the copying of copyrighted material. There is some concern that this is yet another gravy train for those in higher office as UK ISPs have already agreed to the UK government’s recent demand to formally warn ISP customers known to be either copying material or sharing files online.
At this moment in time there is no legal requirement for ISPs to contact their customers regarding illegal activity as this is something they have taken upon themselves on a voluntary basis. It is thought that if the “Rights Agency” comes into play there will be more formal legal requirements placed on ISPs and ISP customers to appreciate copyright laws. However, while the idea may have some credence many are suggesting that any fee charged to ISPs, music companies and the movie industry would simply be passed on to the consumer in due course.