Proposed levy is ‘wrong in principle’ according to trade association
News that the UK’s communications minister is to propose a tax on broadband bills to remunerate entertainment companies suffering at the hands of download piracy has been condemned by Tiga.
“The idea that a universal tax on broadband bills should be imposed in order to compensate entertainment companies for losses incurred from piracy and illegal downloads is wrong in principle,” said Tiga’s CEO, Richard Wilson. “Innocent people should not be required to pay heavier broadband bills because of the activities of criminals.”
The suggested policy is also wrong on practical grounds. The tax could generate perverse behaviour: individuals would have a stronger incentive to illicitly download material if they were required to pay this putative tax.”
Tiga’s response comes in the wake of news that Lord Carter is expected to make his proposals next week, when he will also recommend that internet service providers will have to pass on customers details’ if pirates are subject to legal action.
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Tiga are right to oppose this unfair and stupid idea. Where do they get these ministers from?
This 'levy' is clearly going to do exactly the opposite to what its supposed to. Its going to promote piracy not stop it, after all if your being charged for programs you should have those programs.
This is like car insurance. How many times have we heard "your policy is going up because other people crash too much"?
This government is a true supply and demand entity, they supply you with services and then demand you pay extra for them.
It's not just piracy. This tax needs to come in just to stop so many people clogging the internet pipes.
A little information is dangerous.
My tax bill keeps going up because of stupid ideas from the governement. I propose a levy on stupid ideas-paid straight into my account please.
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Beam me up Scotty. Time to get off this rock.
