Internet users are joining an online campaign to get their MPs to vote against the government’s Digital Economy Bill which they believe is being rushed through parliament.
The legislation, aimed at tackling internet piracy, has been championed by business secretary Lord Mandelson and received backing from sections of the music industry.
However, part of the bill contains legislation that could see illegal file sharers have their internet connection suspended. This idea has drawn criticism from internet users and companies including BT and Google.
Although the House of Lords has now given passed the bill, members objected to, and subsequently defeated, a clause that would have allowed future governments to alter internet copyright law on the spot, without the need for further legislation.
The Digital Economy Bill is expected to be rushed through the Commons before the next election and internet users are now calling on their MPs to stop it being passed into law.
The Guardian newspaper reports that the bill had its first reading in the Commons on Tuesday night, and in response objectors are using the 38Degrees website to garner support against it.
The webpage says: “The government is trying to rush it through quietly just before the election without proper debate – without a chance for us to voice our opposition. Email your MP now and urge them to stop the government rushing this law through.”
Tags: Digital Economy Bill