Government holds back on 50p broadband tax

The Government laid out the plans for dealing with illegal file-sharers tday as part of the Digital Economy Bill outlined in the Queen's Speech.

It came as no surprise it plans to tackle illegal file-sharing head-on use the two-stage process first detailed earlier in the year. As well as educating consumers on the effects illegal downloading has on the entertainment industry and sending out warning letters to suspected offenders disconnection could be on the cards for peristant pirates from spring 2011.

It's a tactic that hasn't been met with open arms by the likes of the Open Rights Group. Speaking to the BBC, it urged people to contact their MP to oppose the plans put forward in the Queen's Speech: “This plan won't stop copyright infringement and with a simple accusation could see you and your family disconnected from the internet – unable to engage in everyday activities like shopping and socialising.”

In an unexpected twist, the Queen's Speech made no mention of the controversial 50p broadband tax expected to be used by the Government to fund improved broadband infrastructure across the UK. Initially it was thought this tax would be implemented before the next general election. However, it now looks more likely this will form part of the Digital Economy Bill next year.