More from Top10.co.uk

Security services 'not backing disconnection plans for filesharers'

Posted 28th October 2009 at 12:18pm by Kimberley Howson

Kim user icon
The UK's security services are not backing government plans to tackle filesharing

Broadband users should not be disconnected for downloading music and films illegally, according to the police and intelligence services.

Organisations including the Serious and Organised Crime Agency and the Metropolitan Police are believed to be against the government's plans, which would see the web accounts of persistent offenders suspended.

According to the Times, such a move is likely to push pirates to consider ways to avoid detection, which in turn could prove problematic.

Talking to the newspaper, an insider said: "It will make prosecution harder because it increases the workload significantly."

In addition, the source added that bodies including MI5 are not keen on the concept, stating: "They think it is only going to make monitoring more difficult."

News of opposition to the plans has come after French broadband provider Vivendi called on its UK counterparts to support efforts to tackle the issue.

A "three-strikes" law was recently launched in France.

More news on: Customer service and satisfaction, Broadband coverage, Future developments

2 comments

  • 1

    Tony, 28th October 2009.

    Wise words from the police, I reckon - they're under enough pressure as it is without encryption hampering from doing their jobs. Mandelson needs to get a grip. like, NOW.

    Reply
  • 2

    Andrew, 1st November 2009.

    at the moment file sharing is mostly done via torrents and ****wire (e.g. limewire / frostwire) applications

    if the government decide to cut off users who file share then whole new methods to share with come along that won't be seen by the ISP's and file sharers will avoid detection

    why don't the government think off alternatives such as offering low cost music, instead of threatening to cut users off, which is effectively against the users rights.

    Billy has the right idea, the British police have better things to do that to break encryption.

    Reply

Add your comment

Please write a longer comment

Related stories

Broadband news

Top 10 Broadband is the UK's most popular broadband news site. Our team of qualified journalists research and write broadband news articles daily on a range of topics.

News is an integral part of our website and our researchers make it their priority to uncover and analyse developments in the UK broadband market on a daily basis.