Internet proposals 'may harm consumer rights'

New proposals concerning the consequences of illegally downloading films and music are ill-conceived, it has been suggested.

According to TalkTalk, Orange, BT and Which?, suggestions made by Lord Mandelson that those who engage in such behaviour should have their internet connections cut would harm consumer rights.

In a letter to the Times, representatives from the organisations said that the Labour politician's plans threaten broadband customers' rights and the development of attractive new services.

They stated: "First, any decision to move to harsh and punitive measures such as disconnection must be genuinely underpinned by rigorous and objective assessment by Ofcom."

Second, people must be presumed innocent until proven guilty, they claimed.

A third request from the group was that any penalties must be proportionate, as disconnecting users from the web would place limits on their freedom of expression.

Lord Mandelson became secretary of state for business, innovation and skills in June this year.
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08/09/2009 15:27

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