Draft internet piracy code contains major loopholes, tech expert warns

Concerns have been raised about the viability of a voluntary industry code of practice to fight online piracy, with some technology experts warning the code contains a major flaw in only targeting residential users, and was unlikely to succeed without the involvement of other countries.

Dallas Buyers Club

The draft code was released last week for public consultation by the Communications Alliance, which represents internet service providers and rights holders from the music, film, television and performing arts industries. Under the proposed code internet users who have allegedly been illegal downloading content will be sent a series of warnings under a graduated response system, and in extreme cases face legal action.

However the code will only apply to fixed line residential internet accounts held with ISPs – leaving questions open about people switching to business and mobile accounts to illegally download content outside the code’s remit.