British filesharing laws ‘violate human rights’
A report for the UN suggests that the Digital Economy Act against music and film copyright infringement breach human rights.
Frank La Rue, the author of the report and special rapporteur on freedom of expression for the UN, said that he was “alarmed by proposals to disconnect users from internet access if they violate intellectual property rights”.
Under the Act set up in 2010, people who illegally fileshare could face reduced internet speeds or being banned altogether.
“The special rapporteur urges States to repeal or amend existing intellectual copyright laws which permit users to be disconnected from Internet access,” says Mr La Rue’s report.
A spokesman for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said that although the government believes internet access is important “there are counter-balancing rights, including to Intellectual Property, and Government must set the balance in a fair and proportionate way.”