Chinese Democracy?

So the digital economy bill was passed in a 'wash-up' period of parliament. Potentially the most important bill of the foreseeable future was passed through by out of touch politicians with the majority simply not even bothering to take part in discussion. A mere 2 hours of debate were needed and it only got 2 full read throughs (rather than than the usual 3 full read throughs minimum). What on earth do we pay these guys for? Especially after over 20,000 letters of complaints were written to MPs.

There are parts of the bill that really do threaten to change the landscape of the internet in this country. Mainly the potential blocking of websites, a la the Chinese government with Google that had so much international uproar, and the power to now switch off the internet to whole households. Yes they are trying to prevent piracy particularly in the creative industry but they threaten a whole host of other industries. From ISPs (who have rightfully said that it is their job to supply the internet and not police despite these new government regulations), bars and cafes that use free wifi as an incentive for customers, as well as libraries and universities who have so many users it is difficult to keep track of all of them.

The problem is the serious 'pirates' will always find ways to download. Either by hacking other people's addresses, rerouting IP addresses or using public Wifi spots they're going to find a way to download the material they want.

Other issues such as giving Ofcom extended powers and a complete switch over to digital radio are also potential sore spots. Giving so much power to one small group is never a good idea and switching completely to digital radio could alienate it's main users, the elderly and car radios as they do not want the expensive switch to DAB radios.

The government really should have taken it's time and discussed this properly by whoever wins this next elections, but no they rushed it through and now the general public will be the ones who suffer when people begin to receive warnings that their internet will be switched off, their radios do not work, websites being blocked and a huge decline in public Wifi.