The “Three Strikes” law introduced into the UK legal may prevent most filesharers from enjoying the freedom to download copyrighted works with relative impunity. But will it stop the ‘problem’ of filesharing dead? Of course not. Filesharing has always been one step head of the law; this time will prove to be no different.
So how will this new rule work? Well, first the ISPs have to keep a list of all those naughty people who are accused of filesharing. Once a user is accused, he or she will receive a letter which firmly slaps their wrist and tells them not to do it. Obtain three such appearances on the list, and three such letters, and the user will be blacklisted. Once blacklisted the user’s identity can be applied for via court order by any copyright holder who feels his copyright has been infringed.
See some problems? So do I.
What about a broadband connection used by lots of people? Universities? Clubs? Internet Cafes? Are this institutions expected to give up their users when the courts come a-knocking? Legally there’s no responsibility to do that.
They don’t appear to have thought this through properly…