The controversial Digital Economy Bill had its second reading in the Commons yesterday with only five percent of MPs attending the debate while thousands of citizens Twittered their views watching live at home.
Proposals to levy a 50p landline tax to fund the expansion of next generation broadband were dropped from the legislation but measures to significantly enhance anti-piracy provisions are going forward to a final reading. These measures include compelling Internet Service Providers to suspend alleged filesharers’ internet connections.
One of the consequences of the legislation may be that the owners of publicly-accessed wi-fi will be held responsible for content that is illegally downloaded by individuals using the hotspot. This could signal the end of freely accessible, public wifi in cafes, restaurants and pubs all over the Country.
The remaining stages (committee stage, report stage and third reading) before the Bill becomes law are expected to be completed this evening and can be watched live on the BBC.
