Illegal Downloading Quotes

“Introducing measures such as disconnection at the instigation of the Secretary of State will sidestep proper scrutiny, likely breach fundamental human rights and result in innocent people being disconnected or, worse, prosecuted,” said TalkTalk, an internet service provider, in a statement.

“What’s more, they will not work. Disconnecting alleged offenders will be futile given that it is relatively easy for determined filesharers to mask their identity or their activity to avoid detection.”

The Open Rights Group, which campaigns for internet freedom, warned that the suspension of internet access would “restrict people’s fundamental right to freedom of expression”.

“It would also fly in the face of the government’s policy of universal broadband access,” said Jim Killock, the group’s executive director. “It smacks of a knee-jerk reaction at a time when copyright infringement is reducing and online revenues are increasing.”

The government’s new proposals come just days after Lord Mandelson, the Business Secretary, met David Geffen, the founder of Asylum Records and the man who set up DreamWorks with Steven Spielberg, at a private dinner when on holiday in Corfu.

Lord Mandelson is keen to adopt a tougher approach to internet piracy, estimated to cost the movie industry alone around £1.4 billion a year.

Seven million people – one in 12 of the population – regularly download music and films illicitly.

A spokesperson for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said there was no discussion of online piracy when Lord Mandelson met Geffen and there is no connection between that meeting and the Government’s new proposals on illegal filesharing.