UK officials are reconsidering a plan to force ISPs to cut off internet access to users who frequently download illegal files from P2P networks. Although the government has stated that this sanction would only be used in extreme cases, many people, myself included, feel that the option is too extreme to even consider. The Internet has become an important part of our society, from entertainment to global communication. Students often use the Internet for socializing, communication, organizing, and taking classes without a physical classroom. Average people often use the Internet as a source of news and information, and as a way to stay in touch with friends and conference with coworkers. To cut off an individual from those resources could have a large impact on their lives, to the point where it would be a disproportionate response to the crime of illegal downloading. But these proposed sanctions would do more than just cut off an individual, but also everyone in their household. In punishing one illegal downloader, these restrictions could cut off an entire family from valuable online resources.
Consumers aren't the only ones who could be negatively impacted by these measures. ISPs in the UK have been against this measure, as the government would be forcing them to disconnect their customers. The current plan makes the ISP pay for half of the costs of disconnection, with the entertainment industry providing the other half. ISPs also object to the plans on the grounds that it will politicize their business.
Societal implications aside, there is another concern over the revival of the cut-off plan. The current plans give more power to First Secretary of State Lord Mandelson. Though the government has denied it, there are rumors that the revival of the plan could be connected to a summer holiday meeting between Mandelson and Hollywood mogul David Geffen. If those rumors prove to be true, the new plans could represent a major conflict of interest for Lord Mandelson.
Additional sources:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/6089126/Should-illegal-filesharers-have-their-broadband-connection-taken-away.html
http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=138587#=rss2534
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