Despite the fact that the UK government originally rejected a plan of attack for those who regularly download copyright content from the Internet it seems that Lord Mandelson has now stepped up to the mark and is taking the baton forward. A report in today’s Guardian suggests that Lord Mandelson, who is known to mix in Hollywood circles, is attempting to take control of how Internet pirates are treated and how this will impact upon their connectivity.
There is speculation that those who are caught downloading copyrighted material could see their Internet connection blocked if they continue to flaunt the laws. The fact that Lord Mandelson is well connected with a number of Hollywood directors and movie producers yet again puts him in that grey area of friendship and business intermingling and impacting upon laws in the UK. The very fact that the UK government originally rejected a three strikes and you’re out approach, as put forward by the Digital Britain team, makes this U-turn slightly more alarming.
While there is no doubt that many Internet users continue to flout the rules and regulations of the UK it seems that the UK government is set to take a hard line approach under the stewardship of the “Prime Minister in waiting” Lord Mandelson.