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British Computer Society says 'more haste, less speed' on the Digital Economy Bill

Posted by Gary Flood on Mon, 15/03/2010 - 09:45
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The British Computing Society (BCS), the professional body for IT professionals says more time needs to be spent considering the full implications of the Digital Economy Bill currently passing through Parliament.

"The bill could have huge consequences for online activity that are currently poorly understood,” warned its president, Elizabeth Sparrow.

Many of the bill's proposals have aroused controversy, such as the modification of copyright legislation without full parliamentary scrutiny, powers to block or take down Web sites based on allegations of copyright infringement, and new rules as to what a service provider is and their legal obligations.
 
Sparrow also believes the bill places potentially onerous burdens on SMEs, schools and libraries in terms of having to comply with copyright law which could “result in reduced internet access and availability to many vulnerable members of society, who may well derive the greatest benefit”.
 
The BCS is worried that “opportunities could be curtailed and even diminished if some of the proposals being discussed make it into law” and that if rushed through Parliament problems with digital exclusion could be exacerbated.
 
"Copyright and the creative industries are important and must be supported, but not to the net detriment of society," added the body.
 
The bill is currently due for its third reading in the House of Lords prior to its final passage in the Commons.