The Digital Economy Bill, which contains crucial clauses on reducing online copyright infringement, has been progressing through the House of Lords and is now at Report Stage. ISPA has been meeting peers from all three major parties to discuss amendments to the Bill on issues of concern to members.

 

A significant concern for ISPA members was the power that the Secretary of State would have to impose technical sanctions on specific users. The wording of the Bill now means that this power will be dependent upon an Ofcom report. Further amendments should also mean that technical sanctions cannot now be imposed before 12 months of the initial obligation.

 

The amendments tabled by the Government reflect considerable concessions on a number of issues raised following pressure from ISPA and others.

 

Outstanding issues of concern for ISPA members are those around clause 17 and exemptions for WiFi and businesses. Other groups, including the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, have agreed with ISPA that the powers in this clause are too wide to be proportionate.

 

ISPA will continue to meet with Lords and other groups to update them on ISPA's position about the Bill.