Press Room
Grant Thornton's head of technology comments on the Digital
Economy Bill
Niki Dixon, Head of Technology at Grant Thornton says, "It is
encouraging to see the Government acknowledging the vital role the
digital sector plays in the UK economy but their response risks
being too little too late. The Digital Economy Bill has lots of
good intentions but questions still hang over the lack of ambition
and the practicalities of its implementation.
"The proposed action to clamp down on illegal file-sharing is one
of the most controversial out-takes from this Bill. News that
persistent illegal offenders could face a fine of £50,000 if they
ignore cautions sent out by their Internet Service Providers will
undoubtedly send shockwaves through the industry but should act as
a strong deterrent to those engaging in or tempted to share files
illegally.
"The Bill places a significant burden on Internet Service Providers
in pursuing illegal file-sharers. In the absence of a viable
technological solution it remains to be seen if the latest
proposals have any more success in addressing the core problem.
However, the new proposals are likely to be welcomed within the
digital and creative industries which have suffered dramatically as
a result of lost revenues brought on by internet piracy."