BT, TalkTalk to Launch Appeal Against Digital Economy Act

British Telecom and TalkTalk are preparing to launch another appeal against the Digital Economy Act.

ISP's BT and TalkTalk have been given permission to launch an appeal against the April ruling that saw the majority of their objections to Digital Economy Act rejected by the high court.

Part of the Digital Economy Act proposes tackling illegal file sharing in a way similar to France's three-strikes law. However, BT and TalkTalk are unhappy with the amount of responsibility it places on ISPs to monitor customers. Under the law, ISPs would be required to send warning letters to customers pirating content. If they continue to do so, ISPs would have to terminate their internet connection. The two ISPs have been long-time opponents of the DEA and are continuing to oppose it.

ITPro reported back in May, when the two companies announced their decision to appeal, that it would be based on four out of five of the original complaints they brought to the court. Part of the companies complaint is that the new rules harm the rights of subscribers and internet providers.

"We're pleased to have been granted permission to appeal the High Court judgment and we now expect the hearing will take place as soon as possible," a BT spokesperson told the site last Friday.

The BBC reports that John McVay, chief executive of production body PACT, responded to the news on behalf of music, TV and film companies and expressed regret that there will be yet another delay for the controversial Digital Economy Act.

"Naturally, we are disappointed at this further delay," he told the BBC. "However, we respect the decision and are pleased that the appeal hearing will be fast tracked because, in the meantime, online piracy continues to wreak havoc on the legitimate market, threatening jobs and livelihoods."

While the creative industry is disappointed by the news, others are happy that BT and TalkTalk continue to challenge the Digital Economy Act. USwitch cites Mike O'Connor, Chief Executive of Consumer Focus, as saying that while he recognises piracy and copyright infringement is a problem, the DEA's solution is not the right one.

"Our concern is that Digital Economy Act takes a hard-line enforcement approach and could lead to entire households being disconnected from the internet based on accusations by copyright owners," he stated. "Copyright infringement is a problem but we need more innovation and competition to encourage consumers to use legal online music and film services."

Further Reading

ITPro: BT and TalkTalk granted Digital Economy Act appeal

BBC: BT and TalkTalk to appeal Digital Economy Act

uSwitch: TalkTalk and BT's Digital Economy Act Campaign 'Not Over'