Digital Law Could Increase Piracy?

A main part of Britian’s Digital Economy Bill was framed to stamp out illegal file-sharing but the faster broadband speeds it promises would actually encourage piracy, according to a survey by MoneySupermarket.com.

The price-comparison website says the speedier Internet connections will lead more people to download songs and films illegally.

MoneySupermarket found that 18 percent of Internet users had previously illegally downloaded music, films, games, software or television programmes, while more than one-third believe the advent of high-speed, next-generation broadband services will encourage piracy by making it even easier.

The Digital Economy Bill’s passage through the last parliament has caused controversy, and there’s a question whether the new parliament that will follow the election will let it stand. Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has said he’s in favour of repealing it.

If the Lib Dems wield any parliamentary influence after the May 7 vote, it will be interesting as to whether Clegg makes repeal of the act a condition of supporting either Labour or the Conservative in a hung parliament.

MoneySupermarket.com has also raised concerns that the new Digital Economy Act, which was passed in to law during the “wash-up” stage of the last parliament, could lead to homeowners being falsely accused of piracy.

MoneySupermarket.com broadband manager Mike Wilson told the Daily Telegraph that Wi-Fi hijacking – in which other people use unsecured wireless networks to access the Internet and illegally download content – could be one of the biggest causes of mistaken identity.

The MoneySupermarket survey found that 19 percent of wireless users have not password-protected their home Internet connections.

Another associated problem is that police have warned homeowners that some fraudsters are using the Digital Economy Act to con people out of money.

The fraudsters are sending letters to households claiming that their Internet connection has been used for illegal downloading, and that they face huge fines and possible prosecution if they do not pay a £35 fine within seven days.