Government's Digital Britain Report released
Lord Carter’s Digital Britain report has been released as it looks to offer the UK a blueprint of its future in the digital age.
The report begins by explaining the need for such a review: "The communications sector underpins everything we do as an economy and society, to a degree few could have imagined even a quarter of a century ago. Electronic systems and new technology have transformed core elements of UK industry, our media and our public services."
Included in the report was the expected intention to clampdown on peer-to-peer file sharing while regulator OfCom is to be given new governing powers.
The Government’s move towards universal service Broadband by 2012 has also seen digital entrepreneur Martha Lane Fox appointed to champion the cause.
The report also discusses the changing role of Channel 4 as ‘a multi-media public service provider counterpoint’ to the BBC.
“C4C could increase its focus on lower unit-cost online means of delivering public purposes, and has a key role in partnering with other cultural institutions (in the same way as it has been a leading partner for the independent sector).”
It continues to say that The Government has examined three options; a strategic joint venture between C4C and BBC Worldwide; a merger between C4 and a private sector partner with majority public ownership; or a stand alone C4, with a new and more online focused remit.
Copyright laws will also be altered while the Government has also 'committed to work with the industry to review tax relief to promote the sustainability of British video games.'