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UK Proposal Calls for ISPs to Report Copyright Infringement

United Kingdom's Office of Communications (Ofcom), a government-run media regulatory authority, drafted measures set to target illegal downloads by requiring large internet service providers (ISPs) to send notifications of alleged violations and outline ways for customers to find legally licensed content. A large ISP is defined as a provider with more than 400,000 subscribers.

The draft includes a three-strike program; those receiving all three within a year is subject to having their downloading statistics sent to copyright owners. Owners may then choose to pursue legal action against the users, although broadband users can appeal the allegations through an independent appeals body.

The proposed rules are designed to "help inform the public and promote lawful access to digital content, such as music and films," according to the Ofcom.

Under the drafted measures, copyright owners are expected to fund awareness campaigns to educate users about the impact of copyright infringement, while developing online services that attract users to their content.

The United Kingdom Parliament passed The Digital Economy Act of 2010, calling for a notification system of alleged copyright infringement to be funded by ISPs and copyright holders but the act was previously stalled by British Telecom and Talk Talk. The companies both stated that it was not their responsibility to police Internet users.

The proposed legislation is open to further review by the European Commission before being brought to parliament by the end of the year. Ofcom expects the first series of customer notification letters to be sent in early 2014.

Similar legislation in the U.S. under the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA) were pulled off the Senate floor for revision in January.

Thanks to Daniel Zelter for the news tip

Source: The Hollywood Reporter