Internet users have been warned that the heady days of “consequence-free” downloading and file-sharing are finally over, in a bid to save Britain’s crumbling creative industries.

 

Despite a recent YouGov poll condemning internet bans for regular download offenders, Lord Mandelson has revealed the stringent government plans during the digital creative industries conference, C&binet.

 

He confirmed that persistent offenders would experience a “3-strike” system, in which increasingly hostile letters would be sent to users and total expulsion from the net would be a “last resort”.

 

“It must become clear that the days of consequence-free widespread online infringement are over. Technical measures will be a last resort and I have no expectation of mass suspensions resulting,” said Mandelson.

 

The effectiveness of warning letters on user action will be monitored by an independent body, appointed by Ofcom, for the first year following enforcement. If filesharing has not dropped by 70% before April 2011, cutting off access will be the government’s next step.

 

“If we reach the point of suspension for an individual, they will be informed in advance and will have the opportunity to appeal,” added Mandelson.

 

“The British government’s view is that taking people’s work without due payment is wrong and, as an economy based on creativity, we cannot sit back and do nothing as this happens.”

 

Madelson’s scheme comes promptly after Lord Carter’s refusal of the idea in the Digital Britain report released last June. Carter’s view was supported by YouGov research earlier this month, in which 70% of participants condemned a ban on internet use.

 

But the Business Secretary has rubbed against public opinion, instead favouring creative industries following a consultation document that challenged Digital Britain’s suggestions due to a lack of severity.

 

The legislation is expected to come into force next April and will be set out in the government’s Digital Economy bill this November.

 

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