Simulated Client: Lord Mandelson sets file-sharing internet cut-off date

October 28, 2009 | Sourced from: NME.com/article

Lord Peter Mandelson has outlined the details of anti file-sharing legislation set to come into play – naming the date when illegal downloaders' internet connections could be cut off.

The Business Secretary, speaking at the digital creative industries conference cabinet, said that if the amount of illegal file-sharing taking place in the UK hadn't dropped by 70 per cent a year on from April 2010 measures to cut off file-sharers' connections would come into place from July 2011.

Mandelson said that connections would be cut off as a "last resort" and that there would be a "three strikes" policy, with offenders receiving letters of increasing severity, reports the Guardian.

He said that he does not expect to see a large amount of internet cut-offs. "Technical measures will be a last resort and I have no expectation of mass suspensions resulting," he said.

The minister added: "It must become clear that the days of consequence-free widespread online infringement are over."

The Featured Artists Coalition, which includes members of Radiohead, Blur and Keane, are pushing for a three strikes policy – but propose reducing internet speed rather than severing connections.