16 March 2010 | Author: D. Warburton Search Copywriter

Digital Economy Bill in danger of being 'rushed' through parliament

The proposal for the government's controversial Digital Economy Bill received approval from the House of Lords last night, meaning the legislation will now be put before MPs to decide whether or not it becomes law.

The Bill includes a number of proposals aimed at improving Britain's digital economy, but some of its clauses have served to make it unpopular in many circles. One of its most contentious aspects is the introduction of a 'three strikes' rule to cut off the internet connections of illegal file sharers, as well as Clause 17 which had proposed to give the secretary of state the ability to make changes to copyright law without assent from parliament.

More fears have arisen over the 'wash-up' process that is attempting to pass the bill through parliament as quickly as possible before its dissolution. The Guardian reports that this danger of the bill being rushed into law opens it up to abuse from behind-the-scenes political bargaining.

The Earl of Errol said he was "concerned" that amendments such as this could be passed through parliament so quickly, without sufficient scrutiny. "My concern about the new clause... is that it will not be subject to any amendment, or discussion and then amendment, by either house," the Earl explained.

"We have no idea what it looks like, and it seems to be an abuse of parliamentary process."

Jim Killock of the Open Rights Group, which has vehemently opposed the bill, made the situation even clearer, stating: "Our elected MPs will have spent a whole two hours on this bill... before they disappear back to constituencies to ask for our vote.

"Meanwhile, a 'rump parliament' made up of retiring MPs and party whips will pass disconnection measures - with no actual debate."

Whether or not the contentious bill is made legal, there are doubts as to whether it will make a significant impact on Britain's digital economy. Internet service provider TalkTalk stated on Monday that the three strikes rule would have very little impact on copyright infringement among illegal downloaders, believing that 80 per cent of young people would continue to share files regardless.

"The digital economy bill proposals create a new and unfair duty on broadband customers," said TalkTalk's director of strategy and regulation, Andrew Heaney.

"It asks them to implement complex and expensive security measures on their connections to make it more difficult for their neighbours and others to use their connection for copyright infringement. The bill reverses the core principles of natural justice by requiring customers to prove their innocence."