Illegal downloaders may lose web access
| Rudolph Muller | August 25, 2009 | No comments |
The British government says people who illegally download music and films could have their Internet connections cut off.
Treasury Minister Stephen Timms says the move would allow “swifter and more flexible measures” to clamp down on piracy.
The plans announced Tuesday include blocking access to download sites and temporarily suspending users’ internet accounts.
The announcement drew criticism from some groups, but those representing the music industry were pleased.
The Open Rights Group – which aims to raise awareness of digital rights – said any suspension would “restrict people’s fundamental right to freedom of expression.” But the British Phonographic Industry called it helpful in the fight against piracy.
Internet piracy and broadband access – give your views
Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom granted bail
Megaupload boss Kim Dotcom was freed on bail in a surprise move Wednesday, after a New Zealand judge dismissed fears he would flee the country to escape US online piracy charges
Twitter partners with Yandex for real-time search
Twitter and Russian search engine Yandex have agreed a partnership that will allow Yandex to show new tweets in its search results almost instantly
Data collection arms race feeds privacy fears
This week’s revelations that Google Inc, Twitter and other popular Internet companies have been taking liberties with customer data have prompted criticism from privacy advocates
















