BT boss criticises plans to cut off P2P file-sharers' broadband

We already know how TalkTalk feels about the cutting the internet connection off of persistent file sharers. It's been very vocal in campaigning against proposals put forward in the Digital Britain report to suspend the broadband connection of suspected pirates. But now the anti-three strikes campaign has stepped up a gear as BT boss, Ian Livingston, has also jump onboard to campaign against the proposals.

According to the chief executive, plans to suspend the internet accounts of customers suspected of downloading music illegally are unfair. Instead, he believes it would be far more effective to issue fines.

Livingston and a number of other key industry figures including representatives from Google, Yahoo, Facebook and eBay have asked for changes to be made to the Digital Economy Bill after expressing concern in a letter published by the Financial Times. All parties involved believe suspending internet access for file-sharers is an act against natural justice.

With a fine system put in place it's been suggested accused downloaders could choose to pay up or fight in court. As well as being an effective way of creating a fund, Livingston explained: "you get some good, rather than getting some hurt out of people infringing copyright".

Active campaigner Stephen Fry and Tom Watson, the Labour MP and former minister for digital engagement also added their signatures to the letter which pleaded with the government to make amendments to the bill: " Endorsing a policy that would encourage the blocking of websites by UK broadband providers or other internet companies is a very serious step for the UK to take," said the letter. "There are myriad legal, technical and practical issues to reconcile before this can be considered a proportionate and necessary public policy option."

The bill is set to have its third and final reading in the House of Lords next week before it will make its way to the House of Commons. Here, the government faces pressure to pass legislation before the next general election.