The Digital Economy Act was passed into law recently by the United Kingdom government and it presents serious implications for Internet users, especially file sharers and those who download pirated software. So how will the Digital Economy Act affect you?

What is the Digital Economy Act?

The Digital Economy Act was passed ahead of the dissolution of the UK parliament on 12 April 2010 and could have far-reaching implications for Internet users, particularly anyone who infringes copyright laws, whether they’re aware of it or not. It could mean that repeat offenders are eventually banned from the Web for life.

What is the Act all about? What powers will it give the authorities to clamp down on Internet piracy? And what steps can everyday Internet users take to ensure they do not fall foul of the law?

The Act covers a number of wide ranging objectives, including the overhaul of the UK broadcasting industry to ensure the switchover to digital radio and the provision of high-speed broadband for all. This article will focus on the parts of the Act that relate to protecting content creators – such as musicians, photographers and film makers – from having their material pirated online.

The Act may require ISPs to identify offenders of the copyright/anti-piracy laws by their IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. And this has led to fears that many free public Wi-Fi providers, such as cafes, libraries and universities will shut down their networks rather than run the risk of serial file sharers using their facilities - and IP addresses - to conduct illegal activities.

It’s the piracy clause that is likely to affect Internet users most, particularly when it comes to downloading from file hosting networks and peer-to-peer (P2P) sites - where they can search and download share files residing on the computers of many other users (i.e. peers).

While the real impact of the Act is several months away - telecoms regulator Ofcom must first consult with ISPs and major content providers to agree a code of practice – it’s worth preparing for it now. As with everything online, a little information can go a long way to ensuring you’re not breaking the law or downloading potentially damaging software onto your computer.

Safe File Sharing

Software piracy and illegal downloading is nothing new and is something that no Web user should engage in – it infringes the copyright of the content creator and can open up computers to the threat of viruses and other malware.

Clause 8 of the Digital Economy Act is the part which most directly affects Internet pirates. This allows the Secretary of State for Business to block "a location on the Internet which the court is satisfied has been, is being or is likely to be used for or in connection with an activity that infringes copyright".

In other words, any IP address that is identified as being the source of illegal downloads can be blocked. Those suspected of infringement will initially be notified by a letter with advice about WiFi security and legal downloading to help them understand their responsibilities in the event that outsiders have been using their network . It is unlikely, however, that any such letter will be dispatched until the end of 2010 or early 2011.

If these initial notifications do not "significantly reduce" file sharing, then the government will have the power to ask ISPs to implement what the Act calls "technical measures" against infringers.

Softwareload recommends that you avoid storing any legally purchased files on your online P2P folder, as you need to be careful about which files you are sharing with others. If you suspect any file you are downloading is pirated or you think you’ll be in breach of copyright law, then you should instantly delete it and any others from your computer.

It is important to look at your security package filter settings to see if they protect you from accessing and downloading pirated material. Which leads us to the next major problem with P2P file sharing – security.

Protecting Your PC and Router

Because many Internet filters do not extend to blocking P2P file sharing, it is particularly important that you understand the risks and are wary of all files you download and install. As well as containing potentially copyrighted material, some files may be corrupted with malware.

The best way to protect your PC from infiltration from viruses, spyware, adware and other cyber ‘nasties’ is to use security software. At Softwareload’s Anti-virus and Security page you can find a number of programmes to prevent viruses, Trojans, keystroke spies and other malicious infiltration of your system.

Here you will also find software that will enable you to securely back-up your files, to protect against a virus causing damage to your crucial files. We recommend regular back-up anyway as standard practice and all Softwareload purchases come with the option to store online for a year, meaning if anything happens to your PC or laptop you can re-download and reinstall your purchased software without having to buy again.

On Softwareload.co.uk you can also find software to enable you to operate ‘invisibly’ online. This protects against third parties installing cookies, tracking software and spyware on your computer without your knowledge. This provides even greater security, especially when surfing from a public network.

Protecting your wireless network is another major issue. With the Digital Economy Act putting the responsibility squarely on the owners of IP addresses, it is more critical than ever to make sure your network is secure, enabling only trusted, authorised users to access it to surf the Web.

Your wireless connection can reach out several hundred feet away from your router, meaning neighbours and passers-by could potentially access your network without your having any control over their online activities..

In Conclusion

The Digital Economy Act is designed to protect content creators to ensure they get a fair return for their work and is set to change the way UK citizens share files in the future. The key for you as an Internet user is to be aware of the Act’s implications and to make sure that your online file sharing and downloading habits do not infringe upon it.

It is the responsibility of Internet users to understand the basics of copyright law, and ensure that they do not download or share any pirated or copyrighted files on P2P networks. And also to protect their own wireless routers so that others cannot use their IP address to break the rules. After all, ignorance is no excuse in the eyes of the law.