SuffolkOnline.net

The Digital Economy Act will be reviewed by the High Court following a campaign by the UK's two largest ISPs, BT and TalkTalk, who appealed against it. A judicial review will evaluate whether the Act is legal following concerns that cutting off persistent file-sharers would be in breach of European human rights laws.

The Act has been very controversial after it was rushed through parliament without proper scrutiny at the end of the Labour government. Many ISPs and consumers have spoken out against some of the rules which were planed to help curb illegal file sharing.

"We are very pleased that the Court has recognised that our concerns about the copyright infringement provisions in the Digital Economy Act should be considered in a full hearing. The Act was rushed through Parliament in the 'wash-up' with only 6% of MPs attending the brief debate and has very serious flaws.

The provisions to try to reduce illegal file-sharing are unfair, won't work and will potentially result in millions of innocent customers who have broken no law suffering and having their privacy invaded.

We look forward to the hearing to properly assess whether the Act is legal and justifiable and so ensure that all parties have certainty on the law before proceeding."

Andrew Heaney, (Executive Director of Strategy and Regulations) TalkTalk

It is understood that the high court granted 3 of the 4 claims that the ISPs were protesting about. Full details are expected to be released later today.

Article Courtesy of Think Broadband