Record labels seek DMCA-style UK takedowns

[p2p rules]

Record label trade association the BPI wants sweeping changes to UK online copyright practice in 11th hour amendments to the Digital Britain bill.

The amendments would grant copyright holders injunctions against websites and service providers similar to the US DMCA act - but with no 'safe harbour' provision to verify whether the claim is merited, according to documents seen by The Register.

The BPI amendments would introduce an entirely new Section 97B of the 1988 Copyright Design and Patent Act, and would be granted when an ISP had refused to take down infringing material. The Secretary of State would have the ability to review and amend the provision "by allowing the injunctive relief available to the Court to evolve and to keep pace with technology".

theregister

[DaBees-Knees]

If it goes through, this is a very sinister and dangerous precedent. It is contrary to the principles of established law as we know it. Mandelson has already suggested that he should be able to act without any control from parliament or the courts.

[GhostShip]

Let them legislate what they want, no law prevents the issue of a writ (claim) for damages to both reputation and for financial loss and I would be first in line to put my money where my mouth is if these copyright extremist media mafia groups try to close our humble support site down with their lies.