U.K. Government Presents Digital Plans

November 18, 2009 World Screen
LONDON: The U.K.’s plans to deal with illegal file-sharing and set guidelines for the digital age were outlined in a speech on the Digital Economy Bill given by the Queen, with full legislation to be released on Friday.
 
The bill gives the U.K. government the power to disconnect Internet connections of persistent pirates, includes a shake-up of the radio spectrum and a classification system for video games, but does not make mention of a broadband tax.
 
The aim of this legislation, according to the government, is to ensure a communications infrastructure that is fit for the digital age, supports future economic growth, delivers competitive communications and enhances public service broadcasting.
The major provisions of the Digital Economy Bill are:
Provide a legal framework for tackling copyright infringement via education and technical measure: illegal file-sharing will be dealt with through a two-stage process. Initially the government will aim to educate consumers and, those identified as downloading illegal content, will be sent letters.
 
Give Ofcom powers to appoint and fund independently funded news consortia.
 
Give Ofcom new duties to assess the U.K.’s communications infrastructure every two years.
 
Modernize the spectrum to increase investment in mobile broadband.
 
Provide a framework for the move to digital radio switchover by 2015.
 
Update Channel 4 functions to encompass public service content, on TV and online.
 
Make age ratings compulsory for all boxed video games for those over 12 years.
 
Critics of the bill claim not enough details were provided on how the government will stimulate broadband infrastructure. They may be included in the full Digital Economy Bill, which will be released on Friday.

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