The introduction of the Digital Economy Bill, which would see Internet service providers legally obliged to send out warning letters to customers found guilty of filesharing and take action if they continue to break the law, could create around £500 million year in additional costs. While the UK government has questioned the figure of £500 million, there is no doubt that the cost of tackling online piracy will at some stage be passed on to law-abiding consumers.
Internet service providers in the UK believe that the government’s plans could add an extra £25 a year to each and every broadband subscription in the UK. While the government has only part considered the cost of tackling online piracy, believing it to be an extra £1.40 a year per subscription (with 40,000 households forecast to be affected), this only refers to the cost of sending out warning letters.
The subject of online piracy has attracted many different views and many different comments over the last few months with the government adamant that the cost should be taken on by Internet service providers in the UK – which ultimately means the consumer. However, Internet service providers believe that content providers such as the film and music industry should also share the burden of the increased cost.