Pirates, Porn and Privacy: What the Digital Economy Act means for Britain

Earlier this month, thousands of people alleged to have downloaded pornographic films had their personal details leaked onto the internet following a security breach at the law firm tasked with pursuing copyright claims against them. This incident highlights some of the difficulties created by 'deputising' ISPs and other internet intermediaries to enforce private property rights -- difficulties likely to be exacerbated by the copyright enforcement regime enacted by the Digital Economy Act. This presentation: (1) provides a brief overview of the new obligations imposed by the Act; (2) places the Act in a context of domestic and global copyright reform; and (3) invites criticism of the balance struck by the Act between individual rights and the growing spectre of internet piracy.