A bunch of big name tech companies have come out against Peter Mandelson’s Digital Economy Bill. They’re most concerned with the clause that gives Mandelson (a guy who resigned elected position in disgrace twice) the ability to flat out change copyright laws on a whim with no real oversight. Amazingly, Mandelson had his staffers try to make the case for this clause:
“The law must keep pace with technology, so that the Government can act if new ways of seriously infringing copyright develop in the future.”
And what’s wrong with Parliament actually setting those laws? That part isn’t explained. Honestly, I’m beginning to wonder if this particular clause is being used to draw away the fire from the “three strikes and we kick you off the internet” clause. With the big tech companies focused on this ridiculous power grab by the Business Secretary, not nearly as much attention is being paid to that “guilty based on accusations” clause. In the meantime, if these tech firms actually want to get anywhere, an open letter might not do the trick, but I hear that a nice dinner with Mandy at a fancy resort can do wonders.
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