ISPs say cutting off file sharing will increase monthly fees
Lord Mandelson has confirmed that file sharers who download files illegally on the Internet will now have their accounts suspended, in an effort to reduce the amount of people who illegally share files.
He also stated that only two warnings will be given to a consumer before their Internet is cut off, followed by an appeal process for those who want to fight the decision.
According to Mandelson, the new power will only be used as a last resort, and in cases where people consistently broke the law and illegally downloaded files on a persistent basis.
Under the new proposal, ISPs are responsible for taking action against consumers that are accused of sharing illegal film and music files. They also can take additional measures such as slowing down the downloading speeds of certain users before cutting them off.
However, ministers have taken the time to craft the new rules so that ?innocent? file sharing such as copying a CD onto an iPod are not harmed by the new rules.
BT has warned that with the new ISP responsibilities, the price of broadband may rise due to the fact that all of the costs incurred with cutting of a user?s Internet falls on the ISP?s themselves.
