BT and TalkTalk to fight piracy laws
BT AND TalkTalk will fight controversial new anti-piracy laws in the courts, they revealed yesterday.
The internet providers say the Digital Economy Act, which was rushed through parliament earlier this year, will unfairly target their users and could hurt their businesses.
The “draconian” act could force ISPs to disconnect users suspected of repeatedly downloading copyrighted material, and BT and TalkTalk argue it could affect innocent internet users.
They say the bill received “insufficient scrutiny” as it was passed during “wash-up” – the period of time between an election being called and parliament being dissolved. It was passed by 189 votes to 47 after a two hour debate despite public outcry over its possible implications.
The two companies jointly filed papers to the High Court on Tuesday and hope to fix a date for a hearing by late autumn.
Gavin Patterson, chief executive of BT Retail, said: “It’s disappointing that we feel the need to take action but we feel we have no choice. We have to do this for our customers who otherwise run the risk of being treated unfairly.”
Charles Dunstone, chairman, TalkTalk, said: “The Digital Economy Act’s measures will cost the UK hundreds of millions and many people believe they are unfair, unwarranted and won’t work. Innocent broadband customers will suffer and citizens will have their privacy invaded.”
The act was designed to promote Britain’s digital economy and protect the rights of content creators such as musicians. The government is standing by the law, claiming it is in line with EU legislation.
Sky and Virgin have both backed the act, which they say could help them to curb piracy.