Court backs online copyright laws

 

New laws tackling copyright infringement online have won the backing of the Court of Appeal. To the delight of those working in the creative industries, three appeal judges rejected a challenge by BT and TalkTalk, two of the UK's largest internet service providers (ISPs). Lawyers for the ISPs argued that the Digital Economy Act (DEA) and its controversial measures to curb illegal internet file-sharing were incompatible with EU law. They also argued the legislation would result in an invasion of privacy and run up disproportionate costs for ISPs and consumers. Lady Justice Arden, Lord Justice Richards and Lord Justice Patten disagreed. The appeal judges unanimously upheld a High Court ruling that the DEA was a proportionate response to the need to deal with illegal file-sharing and legally enforceable under both European and domestic law. The creative industries estimate online piracy is costing them some £400 million a year with regard to films, music and books. They urged ISPs to get behind the legislation now that it has won appeal court backing. BT said it would be taking time to consider its position, but TalkTalk indicated its intention to continue fighting "this ill-judged legislation". A spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said: "We are pleased the Appeal Court has upheld the original ruling that the Digital Economy Act is a lawful and proportionate response to the threat posed by online piracy."