Lib Dems sellout on the internet

Shock result (not): in another depressingly familiar sellout, the ConDem government is not going to repeal the Digital Economy Act.

You might remember this epic law fail that was passed just before the election. It was New Labour’s dying gift to the corporate media/culture industry. It allows them to accuse people of infringing copyright, at which point whole households can face fines or even disconnection from the internet. This is purely on the say so of entertainment companies or other copyright holders, and most people won’t have the money to fight it in court. The Act was basically a case of Labour letting the entertainment industry write the law, in order to safeguard their own massive profits. This was then rushed through parliament with no time for proper scrutiny during the “wash up” phase before an election, where the parties push through things they all agree on.

Lib Dem lords originally supported the then Digital Economy Bill, which led to a grassroots rebellion within the party of the many members who are concerned about the future of a free internet. As a result of this, Lib Dem MPs withdrew their support when it was voted through, and Nick Clegg promised to repeal the Act if elected.

Well, guess what? The new Tory spokesman for broadband, Jeremy ‘Rhyming Slang’ Hunt, has announced the ConDem coalition will NOT be repealing the Digital Economy Act. Despite huge opposition from the public, and people promising civil disobedience against this ridiculous law, it will remain in effect.

Yet again the idea that the Lib Dems are in government to be a good influence on the Tories has been exposed for the lie it is. Clegg and co. trumpeted before the election how they thought it was disgraceful such a bad piece of legislation had been rushed through. But now in power they’re quite willing to go along with their new boss, former spin doctor for media company Carlton Communications, David Cameron. Yet another Lib Dem sellout from those so desperate for ministerial seats they’ll ditch any principle necessary: nuclear power, full proportional representation, stopping the renewal of Trident and now restrictions on the internet. What a shower of bastards.

Check out this site for info on the campaign to repeal the Act.