Britain decriminalizes online piracy

The British governement has decriminalized the action of online piracy throughout the country.

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Starting in 2015, users who are persistent peer-to-peer file-sharers will be sent four letters warning them against what they are do. These letters will be used to explain to the users that what they are doing is illegal. However, even if the notes are ignored, no further legal action will be taken against the users.

This comes as part of the new Voluntary Copyright Alert Program (VCAP) that is the result of years of talks between Internet service providers, British politicians and the movie and music industry.

The new plan replaces previous measures that would create a database of notorious file-sharers as well as cut down their Internet connections.

“This landmark initiative marks the first time that entertainment companies, broadband providers and the Government have come together in a major campaign to engage consumers through their passion for music, film, TV and other content and to support them in enjoying it safely and legally online,” Geoff Tayler, chief executive of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), said. “It should mark a real step forward for digital entertainment in the UK.”

This new program, according to supporters, will hopefully lead users to being made more aware of their wrongdoings without threatening action. The hope is that the warnings will lead to users making the right decisions and support those they are pirating.

Sound off FanSiders! What do you think about the decriminalization of piracy in Britain? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Mike’s Musings: Though I like this new system of fighting against piracy, I don’t think it will ever be defeated. People like the idea of accessing games, movies and music at no cost. As long as it can be done via peer-to-peer sharing, it will be done.