Digital Economy Act here to stay, insists Vaizey

 

The Digital Economy Act controversially was rushed through Parliament in the weeks before this year's general election with former Business Secretary Lord Mandelson emerging as perhaps its most enthusiastic backer.  The speed with which it was rushed through in the dying days of the Labour administration has led to great criticism of the act's terms from the likes of ISPs and digital lobby groups. 

 

Earlier this month it was reported that BT and TalkTalk are seeking a judicial review of the controversial Digital Economy Act. The two firms want the High Court to clarify the legality of the act before it is implemented. In particular TalkTalk and BT are seeking clarity as to whether the act conflicts with EU legislation.

 

During the election campaign itself the now deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said that the Digital Economy Act "badly needs to be repealed". But in office this view has been modified and the Coalition Government has made it clear on several occasions that it intends to take no action. 

 

In what threatened to be a minor split in the unity of the coalition. Liberal Democrat MP Julian Huppert asked Vaizey: "Given that the act was rushed through in the dying days of the last government, will he ensure that there is proper scrutiny of not just the details but the principle of the sections which many of us oppose?"

 

In response, Vaizey said in response: "I am aware of the concerns that the honourable gentleman mentions. It is important to emphasise that the technical measures in those sections would not come in until at least 2012, and that this House and the [Lords] will have a chance to debate the matter in full under the super-affirmative procedure."

 

He added: "There are two sides to the story. I have met many content owners in the past few months to discuss the matter, and they are keen to have measures in place to combat illegal downloading."