Google, eBay, Facebook, Yahoo Air Concerns on U.K. Legislation

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 3, 2009 - 12:58pm.

London - Internet industry giants Google (NASD: GOOG), eBay (NASD: EBAY), Facebook and Yahoo (NASD: YHOO) have written to the U.K. government, expressing concerns over proposed new legislation that would impose "three-strikes" on file-swappers, and potentially empower the Secretary of State to amend the country's copyright law at will. "We want to express our grave concerns regarding the inclusion of measures, which risk stifling innovation and damaging the Government's vision for a Digital Britain," the companies said, in their letter to the U.K. Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The companies specifically object to "Clause 17," which they believe will allow the Secretary of State to amend U.K. copyright law as he or she sees fit without the need to pass legislation.

"This clause is so wide that it could put at risk legitimate consumer use of current technology as well as future developments," the letter states.

"Clause 17 creates uncertainty for consumers and businesses and puts at risk the U.K.'s leading position in a digital Europe."

http://snipurl.com/tjrm4 (Billboard)

http://snipurl.com/tjs7g (DMW previous coverage)