Digital Economy Bill - an MP's dissenting view

Public access debate on 6 April 2010 in the UK parliament's House of Commons where Ms Fiona McTaggart (Labour Party MP for Slough) argues against her own Party and Government who want to make internet censorship laws in a bid to stop filesharing of copyright material (movies, music, etc.).

The Bill became law on 8 April 2010 and can be seen here
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2010/ukpga_20100024_en_1

Sections 3 to 18 are a nightmare that will keep you and your kids awake at night as well as limit your business plan. So much for encouraging a "digital economy" in the UK - may it R.I.P. thanks to this ridiculous law.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• censorship
• filesharing
• internet
• copyright
• DEA
• DEB
• DigitalEconomy
• parliament
• Commons
• openrights
• openrightsgroup
• rights
• debates

[illmagnified]

i literally applauded for this lady when the video was over- she is strong- she is intelligent and she knows what she is talking about. She reminds me of Debra Medina from Texas. Great Job on putting this video out. We in America will be fighting a very similiar bill with very similiar type players who are trying to step on our freedoms and rights as people to the great information pool made available to us- a lot of which is content- WE OURSELVES PUT OUT! WAKE UP!

[rob8urcakes]

@illmagnified and the GOOD NEWS is she wasn't a sole voice of reason. There were others during the debate that also made sense. But Fiona's heartfelt and sensible contribution was too good to pass by. Thanks :)

[CWalkthroughs]

So British people can't torrent no more? I am just a little confused.

[rob8urcakes]

@CWalkthroughs There's still plenty of time (I'd guess around 2 to 3 years) before any of this, if any at all, of it is actually implemented. 1st of all, OFCOM need to do research and studies then put their findings to the Department. Then the Secretary of State has to propose DRAFT regulations which have to be put for PUBLIC consultation (including us). Then all these new laws have to be put to the whole of Parliament for a proper debate and a vote. We're OK for the next few years.

[thesaints76]

Andysplace - that's Tom Watson MP, he was a leader on the campaign against the Bill, and in fairness was probably using his phone to blog against the bill.

[rob8urcakes]

@thesaints76 Aye, I tried to say that in reply too but Youtube kept hitting me with an error and wouldn't publish my response (though I reckon it's more likely he was texting for a lamb bhuna).

[rob8urcakes]

@DidntKnowWhatToPut1

In terms of Human Rights legislation (ie either the European Convention of Human Rights, or the watered-down UK version) it's not only a shame but very likely unlawful if the nasty Sections 3, 4, 9, 10 and 17 are actually passed by the new parliament after the General Election on 6 May 2010. They need either public consultation or approval by the whole House. The fight is on.

But watch out for the EU's ACTA (the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement - see Wikipedia?).

[gavmcguinness8024]

I feel so lucky in Ireland. A similar law was thrown out of the Irish High Courts for a breach of privacy of Irish citizens.

[TheMvuser]

I just looked at maps.fon.com It's part of the Fon Wifi network. There are Wifi hotspots all over the UK and rest of the world. BT are investors in this network but they have potentially lobbied the UK Gov to close down open Wifi. Also, these Wifi Hotspots must be a subsystem of existing customers BT Broadband Home Hubs. do these customers know ? It seems remarkable that Fonera has survived while open Wifi is now illegal.

[CWalkthroughs]

@rob8urcakes yay

[screwball82]

This is great, I love her! Thing is that she's right; there are parts of the bill, as I understand it, that are a good idea and protecting livelihoods, but the rush of this bill is appalling on all sides!