File sharing: are you breaking the law? Our solution: fair file sharing rules

Gavel

The government plans to crack down harder people illegally sharing files online.

We don't condone illegal file sharing, but the current situation doesn't offer consumers enough protection and is leading to innocent people being accused. To stop this and also protect copyright holders, we think the following must happen:

  • The government should establish an independent adjudication system to ensure that people aren't wrongly accused, that there's a fair, free and quick appeals process and that penalties that are proportionate
  • The government should introduce a system so rights holders use a notice system for dealing with alleged illegal file sharing in the first instance
  • Rights holders must ensure that the lawyers they use target the correct individuals, and treat them fairly
  • Internet service providers should challenge the evidence provided by rights holders.

The Digital Economy Act 2010, as passed by Parliament, meets some of these concerns but not all.

That is why we are continuing to lobby the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Ofcom and others on the implementation of this process.

Been accused of illegal file sharing? Take action:

If you've been wrongly accused of illegal file sharing, you can find out what to do with our what to do if you're accused of file sharing guide.

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