Threat of web blocking moves a step closer

The prospect of internet service providers (ISPs) in the UK being forced to block websites is creeping closer to reality under the guise of copyright protection.

BT is locked in a legal battle brought by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), to force it to block access to file-sharing site Newzbin2 and leaked documents show that other rights holders have held similar discussions with the Government.

The Rights Holder Group, and suggests a "voluntary approach" should be used that would result in "inhibiting access to websites that "are substantially focussed upon infringement of copyright".

Peter Bradwell of the Open Rights Group said: "Clumsy, quasi-judicial and unaccountable website blocking is dangerous for exactly that reason."

Although the Rights Holder Group has said it wants to work with consumer groups, details of the proposals have been met with dismay by these very organisations; which were initially barred from the meetings.

Since then Consumer Focus, did attend eventually attend a round table last week voiced deep concerns about the web blocking plans. It said the case for web blocking had not been made.

It went on to say that any such move not be "seriously considered as an option" if rights holders had not found new ways to license their content to consumers.

The Open Rights Group (ORG) said it would put its concerns forward next week in a promised a face-to-face meeting with Ed Vaizey.

Meanwhile, a ruling on the test case between BT and the Motion Picture Association (MPA) is expected to be made at the end of July. His Honour Mr Justice Arnold is waiting for the ruling from the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on a similar case before he decides to grant an injunction to the MPA.

If the MPA is successful in its bid, it will be the first time that Section 97A of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act has been used against an ISP. BT said this could lead to hundreds of rights holders using the law to force internet service providers to block access to websites they believe are facilitating illegal file sharing.

The ISP said: "This is an important test case since it is the first attempt to get an injunction against an ISP to block a website under UK copyright law. Significant legal and practical issues have been raised in the hearing and we await the judge's decision."