News
The Digital Economy Bill Is Introduced
20/11/2009
By Lea Pachta
The Digital Economy Bill, introduced today, sets out Government plans to ensure the UK is at the leading edge of the global digital economy.
Published jointly by the Department for Business and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Bill aims to support growth in the creative and digital sectors and includes measures aimed at tackling widespread online infringement of creative copyright, such as peer-to-peer file-sharing.
Other key proposals look to strengthen the UK's communications infrastructure, such as superfast broadband, via the introduction of new Ofcom duties to encourage investment.
The Bill also puts in place measures to protect the creation of a range of engaging public service content, from multiple providers, on multiple platforms. Specifically, it addresses the urgent need for action to secure provision of news in the nations, locally and in the regions.
Lord Mandelson said:
"On current definitions our digital economy accounts for nearly £1 in every £10 that the whole British economy produces each year - so our creative and digital industries are key to Britain's future economic success. This Bill will give them the framework to develop competitively and make the UK a global creative leader."
"Better protecting our creative communities from the threat of online infringement will ensure existing and emerging talent is rewarded and will bring new choices for online consumers."
"Creating the right conditions for investment in our communications infrastructure will bring benefits for households and businesses in all parts of the country."
Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw said:
"Our digital economy is worth around 8% of GDP.
"Britain's creative industries have become number one in the world as a proportion of our economy.
"This Bill is a key part of the Government's active industrial strategy and will maintain and build on Britain's leading position. It includes measures to ensure... continued on page two >
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