Digital economy bill to be pushed through ahead of election

According to senior media industry figure, the digital economy bill will become law before Parliament is dissolved at the beginning of April ahead of a likely general election in May

The bill will bring in controversial laws giving rights owners to cut off or restrict internet access for users who download films and music illegally, as well as measures aimed at combating piracy. If it becomes law it will push for internet service providers to give information about persistent offenders to rights holders.

It is currently in the House of Lords and about to get its third reading, when peers get the chance to table final amendments to the legislation. After the Lords, the bill will then go the House of Commons in a two weeks’ time. If it proceeds to its second reading by early April, when an election is predicted to be called, it could enter the statute book before parliament rises.

Source: Guardian

Published on: 05/03/2010 12:30:00