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Timestamp: 2019-08-25 11:23:26
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Digital Economy Bill [HL] - PDF
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1 Rubric text Digital Economy Bill [HL] EXPLANATORY NOTES Explanatory notes to the Bill, prepared by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, are published separately as... EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS Lord Mandelson has made the following statement under section 19(1)(a) of the Human Rights Act 1998: In my view the provisions of the Digital Economy Bill [HL] are compatible with the Convention rights.
2 Digital Economy Bill [HL] CONTENTS General duties of OFCOM 1 General duties of OFCOM 2 OFCOM reports on infrastructure, internet domain names etc 3 OFCOM reports on media content Online infringement of copyright 4 Obligation to notify subscribers of reported infringements Obligation to provide infringement lists to copyright owners 6 Approval of code about the initial obligations 7 Initial obligations code by OFCOM in the absence of an approved code 8 Contents of initial obligations code 9 Progress reports Obligations to limit internet access: assessment and preparation 11 Obligations to limit internet access 12 Code by OFCOM about obligations to limit internet access 13 Contents of code about obligations to limit internet access 14 Enforcement of obligations 1 Sharing of costs 16 Interpretation and consequential provision 17 Power to amend copyright provisions Powers in relation to internet domain registries 18 Powers in relation to internet domain registries 19 Appointment of manager of internet domain registry Application to court to alter constitution of internet domain registry Channel Four Television Corporation 21 Functions of C4C in relation to media content 22 Monitoring and enforcing C4C s media content duties Independent television services 23 Determination of Channel 3 licence areas 24 Initial expiry date for Channel 3 and and public teletext licences 2 Initial expiry date: consequential provision
3 ii Digital Economy Bill [HL] 26 Report by OFCOM on public teletext service 27 Power to remove OFCOM s duty to secure provision of public teletext service 28 Appointed providers of regional or local news 29 Broadcasting of programmes in Gaelic Independent radio services Digital switchover 31 Renewal of national radio licences 32 Renewal and variation of local radio licences 33 Variation of licence period following renewal 34 Content and character of local sound broadcasting services 3 Local radio multiplex services: frequency and licensed area 36 Renewal of radio multiplex licences Regulation of television and radio services 37 Application of regulatory regimes to broadcasters Access to electromagnetic spectrum 38 Payment for licences 39 Enforcement of licence terms etc Video recordings Classification of video games etc 41 Designated authority for video games etc Copyright and performers property rights: licensing and penalties 42 Extension and regulation of licensing of copyright and performers rights 43 Increase of penalties relating to infringing articles or illicit recordings 44 Public lending right Public lending right General 4 Power to make consequential provision etc 46 Repeals 47 Extent 48 Commencement 49 Short title Schedule 1 Classification of video games etc: supplementary provision Schedule 2 Licensing of copyright and performers property rights Part 1 Regulation of licensing bodies Part 2 Performers property rights Schedule 3 Repeals
4 Digital Economy Bill [HL] 1 A BILL TO Make provision about the functions of the Office of Communications; to make provision about the online infringement of copyright, about licensing of copyright and performers rights and about penalties for infringement; to make provision about internet domain registries; to make provision about the functions of the Channel Four Television Corporation; to make provision about the regulation of television and radio services; to amend the Video Recordings Act 1984; to make provision about public lending right in relation to electronic publications; and for connected purposes. B E IT ENACTED by the Queen s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows: 1 General duties of OFCOM General duties of OFCOM (1) Section 3 of the Communications Act 03 (general duties of OFCOM) is amended as follows. (2) After subsection (1) insert (1A) In performing their duties under subsection (1), OFCOM must have particular regard, in all cases, to the need (a) to promote appropriate levels of investment in electronic communications networks; (b) to promote appropriate levels of investment in public service media content; and (c) for the investment to be efficient, wherever possible. (3) In subsection (2)(c) and (d), for television and radio services substitute media services. (4) In subsection (4)(m), for the furthering or securing of the matters mentioned in subsections (1) and (2) substitute the furthering, promoting or securing of the matters mentioned in subsections (1), (1A) and (2). 1
5 2 Digital Economy Bill [HL] () In subsection (14), after the definition of general duties insert media services means any of the following services that are available to members of the public in all or part of the United Kingdom (a) television and radio services; (b) on-demand programme services; and (c) other services provided by means of the internet where there is a person who exercises editorial control over the material included in the service; public service media content means material, other than advertisements, which is included in media services and which OFCOM consider contributes or may contribute towards the fulfilment of the public service objectives (as defined in section 264A);. (6) After that subsection insert (1) The services that are to be taken for the purposes of this section to be available to members of the public include any service which (a) is available for reception by members of the public (within the meaning of section 361); or (b) is available for use by members of the public (within the meaning of section 368R(4)). 1 2 OFCOM reports on infrastructure, internet domain names etc (1) In Chapter 1 of Part 2 of the Communications Act 03 (electronic communications networks and services), after section 134 insert Reports on infrastructure etc 134A OFCOM reports on infrastructure etc (1) OFCOM must prepare reports in accordance with subsections (2) and (3) on (a) the electronic communications networks matters listed in section 134B(1), and (b) the electronic communications services matters listed in section 134B(2). (2) The first report must (a) relate to the position on a day specified in the report which falls within the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this section comes into force, and (b) be sent to the Secretary of State by OFCOM not more than 2 months after the specified day. (3) Each subsequent report must (a) relate to a relevant period, and (b) be sent to the Secretary of State by OFCOM as soon as practicable after the end of the relevant period. (4) Relevant period means 2 3
6 Digital Economy Bill [HL] 3 (a) (b) the period of 2 years beginning with the day specified in the first report, and each subsequent period of 2 years beginning with the end of the previous period. () Where there is a significant change in connection with a matter listed in section 134B(1) or (2) and OFCOM consider that the change should be brought to the attention of the Secretary of State, OFCOM must (a) prepare a report on the change, and (b) send it to the Secretary of State as soon as practicable. (6) For the purposes of subsection (), a change is significant if OFCOM consider that it has, or is likely to have, a significant adverse impact on (a) persons carrying on business in the United Kingdom or a part of the United Kingdom, or (b) the general public in the United Kingdom or a part of the United Kingdom. 134B Networks and services matters (1) For the purposes of section 134A, the electronic communications networks matters are (a) the different types of electronic communications network provided in the United Kingdom ( UK networks ), (b) the geographic coverage of the different UK networks, (c) the proportion of the population covered by the different UK networks, (d) the extent to which UK networks share infrastructure, (e) the capacity of the different UK networks, (f) the extent to which the providers of the different UK networks allow other communications providers to use their networks to provide services, (g) the amount of time for which the different UK networks are and are not available, including the steps that have been or are to be taken to maintain or improve the level of availability, (h) the preparations made by providers of UK networks for responding to an emergency, including preparations for restoring normal operation of UK networks disrupted by the emergency, and (i) the standard of the different UK networks in comparison with electronic communications networks provided in a range of other countries, having regard, in particular, to their coverage and capacity. (2) For the purposes of section 134A, the electronic communications services matters are (a) the use of the electromagnetic spectrum for wireless telegraphy in the United Kingdom, (b) the different types of electronic communications service provided in the United Kingdom ( UK services ), (c) the geographic coverage of the different UK services, (d) the proportion of the population covered by the different UK services,
7 4 Digital Economy Bill [HL] (e) (f) (g) the amount of time for which the different UK services are and are not available, including the steps that have been or are to be taken to maintain or improve the level of availability, the preparations made by providers of UK services for responding to an emergency, including preparations for restoring normal operation of UK services disrupted by the emergency, and the standard of the different UK services in comparison with electronic communications services provided in a range of other countries. (3) The preparations referred to in subsections (1)(h) and (2)(f) include (a) the steps taken to assess the risks of different types of emergency occurring, (b) the steps taken to reduce or remove those risks, and (c) the testing of proposed responses to different types of emergency. (4) In a report under section 134A, OFCOM are required to include only information about, and analysis of, such networks, services and providers as they consider appropriate. () In this section emergency means an event or situation that seriously disrupts a UK network or UK service. Reports on internet domain names 134C OFCOM reports on internet domain names (1) OFCOM must, if requested to do so by the Secretary of State (a) prepare a report on matters specified by the Secretary of State relating to internet domain names, and (b) send the report to the Secretary of State as soon as practicable. (2) The specified matters may, in particular, include matters relating to (a) the allocation and registration of internet domain names, and (b) the misuse of internet domain names. (2) In section 13(3) of that Act (information required for purposes of Chapter 1 functions), after paragraph (ib) insert (ic) preparing a report under section 134A; (id) preparing a report under section 134C;. 3 OFCOM reports on media content After section 264 of the Communications Act 03 insert 264A OFCOM reports: wider review and reporting obligations (1) When carrying out a review under section 264 for a period, OFCOM must also carry out a review of the extent to which material included in media services during that period (taken together over the period as a whole) contributed towards the fulfilment of the public service objectives. (2) Every report under section 264 must 1 2 3
8 Digital Economy Bill [HL] (a) (b) (c) (d) include a report on the matters found on the review under this section, specify, and comment on, whatever changes appear to OFCOM to have occurred, during the period to which the report relates, in the extent to which the public service objectives have been fulfilled, specify, and comment on, whatever changes appear to OFCOM to have occurred, during that period, in the manner in which those objectives are fulfilled, and set out OFCOM s conclusions on the current state of material included in media services. (3) The public service objectives are the objectives set out in paragraphs (b) to (j) of section 264(6) (as modified by subsection (4)). (4) Paragraphs (b) to (j) of section 264(6) have effect for the purposes of subsection (3) as if (a) references to the relevant television services were to media services, and (b) references to programmes were to material included in such services. () In this section material does not include advertisements; media services means any of the following services that are available to members of the public in all or part of the United Kingdom (a) television and radio services, (b) on-demand programme services, and (c) other services provided by means of the internet where there is a person who exercises editorial control over the material included in the service. (6) The services that are to be taken for the purposes of this section to be available to members of the public include any service which (a) is available for reception by members of the public (within the meaning of section 361); or (b) is available for use by members of the public (within the meaning of section 368R(4)) Online infringement of copyright 4 Obligation to notify subscribers of reported infringements After section 124 of the Communications Act 03 insert Online infringement of copyright: obligations of internet service providers 124A Obligation to notify subscribers of copyright infringement reports (1) This section applies if it appears to a copyright owner that (a) a subscriber to an internet access service has infringed the owner s copyright by means of the service; or
9 6 Digital Economy Bill [HL] (b) a subscriber to an internet access service has allowed another person to use the service, and that other person has infringed the owner s copyright by means of the service. (2) The owner may make a copyright infringement report to the internet service provider who provided the internet access service if a code in force under section 124C or 124D (an initial obligations code ) allows the owner to do so. (3) A copyright infringement report is a report that (a) states that there appears to have been an infringement of the owner s copyright; (b) includes a description of the apparent infringement; (c) includes evidence of the apparent infringement that shows the subscriber s IP address and the time at which the evidence was gathered; and (d) complies with any other requirement of the initial obligations code. (4) An internet service provider who receives a copyright infringement report must notify the subscriber of the report if the initial obligations code requires the provider to do so. () A notification under subsection (4) must include (a) a statement that it is sent under this section in response to a copyright infringement report made by a copyright owner; (b) a description of the apparent infringement; (c) evidence of the apparent infringement; (d) information about copyright and its purpose; (e) advice about how to obtain lawful access to copyright works; (f) advice about the protection of electronic communications networks that use wireless telegraphy; and (g) anything else that the initial obligations code requires it to include. (6) The things that may be required under subsection ()(g), whether in general or in a particular case, include in particular statements that (a) information about the apparent infringement may be kept by the internet service provider; (b) the copyright owner may require the provider to disclose which copyright infringement reports made by the owner to the provider relate to the subscriber; (c) following such a disclosure, the copyright owner may apply to a court to learn the subscriber s identity and may bring proceedings against the subscriber for copyright infringement; (d) the number and nature of copyright infringement reports relating to the subscriber may be taken into account for the purposes of any technical measures. (7) In this section notify, in relation to a subscriber, means send a notification to the electronic or postal address held by the internet service provider for the subscriber (and sections 394 to 396 do not apply)
10 Digital Economy Bill [HL] 7 Obligation to provide infringement lists to copyright owners After section 124A of the Communications Act 03 insert 124B Obligation to provide copyright infringement lists to copyright owners (1) An internet service provider must provide a copyright owner with a copyright infringement list for a period if (a) the owner requests the list for that period; and (b) an initial obligations code requires the internet service provider to provide it. (2) A copyright infringement list is a list that (a) sets out, in relation to each relevant subscriber, which of the copyright infringement reports made by the owner to the provider relate to the subscriber, but (b) does not enable any subscriber to be identified. (3) A subscriber is a relevant subscriber in relation to a copyright owner if (a) the owner has made one or more copyright infringement reports in relation to the subscriber; and (b) the number of the reports has reached the threshold (if any) set in the initial obligations code. 6 Approval of code about the initial obligations After section 124B of the Communications Act 03 insert 124C Approval of code about the initial obligations (1) The obligations of internet service providers under sections 124A and 124B are the initial obligations. (2) If it appears to OFCOM (a) that a code has been made by any person for the purpose of regulating the initial obligations; and (b) that it would be appropriate for them to approve the code for that purpose, they may approve it, with effect from the date given in the approval. (3) The provision that may be contained in a code and approved under this section includes provision that (a) specifies conditions that must be met for rights and obligations under the copyright infringement provisions or the code to apply in a particular case; (b) requires copyright owners or internet service providers to provide any information or assistance that is reasonably required to determine whether a condition under paragraph (a) is met. (4) The provision mentioned in subsection (3)(a) may, in particular, specify that a right or obligation does not apply in relation to a copyright owner unless the owner has made arrangements with an internet service provider regarding 1 2 3
11 8 Digital Economy Bill [HL] (a) (b) the number of copyright infringement reports that the owner may make to the provider within a particular period; and payment in advance of a contribution towards meeting costs incurred by the provider. () The provision mentioned in subsection (3)(a) may also, in particular, provide that (a) except as provided by the code, rights and obligations do not apply in relation to an internet service provider unless the number of copyright infringement reports the provider receives within a particular period reaches a threshold set out in the code; (b) once the threshold is reached, rights or obligations apply in relation to a time before it was reached. (6) OFCOM must not approve a code under this section unless satisfied that it meets the criteria set out in section 124E. (7) Not more than one approved code may have effect at a time. (8) OFCOM must keep an approved code under review. (9) OFCOM may, at any time, for the purpose mentioned in subsection (2) (a) approve modifications that have been made to an approved code; or (b) withdraw their approval from an approved code, with effect from a date given in the approval or withdrawal, and must do so if the code ceases to meet the criteria set out in section 124E. () The consent of the Secretary of State is required for the approval of a code or the modification of an approved code. (11) Where OFCOM give or withdraw an approval under this section, they must give notification of their approval or of its withdrawal. (12) The notification must be published in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in OFCOM s opinion, are likely to be affected by the approval or withdrawal. (13) The notification and, where the notification is of an approval, the approved code or modifications to which it relates, must be laid by OFCOM before each House of Parliament Initial obligations code by OFCOM in the absence of an approved code After section 124C of the Communications Act 03 insert 124D Initial obligations code by OFCOM in the absence of an approved code (1) For any period when sections 124A and 124B are in force but for which there is no approved initial obligations code under section 124C, OFCOM must by order make a code for the purpose of regulating the initial obligations.
12 Digital Economy Bill [HL] 9 (2) OFCOM may, but need not, comply with subsection (1) so far as the period falls six months or less after sections 124A and 124B come into force. (3) A code under this section may do any of the things mentioned in section 124C(3) to (). (4) A code under this section may also (a) establish one or more bodies corporate with the capacity to make their own rules and establish their own procedures; (b) determine the jurisdiction of a body established by the code or, for the purposes of the code, of any other person; (c) confer jurisdiction with respect to any matter on OFCOM themselves (but this is subject to anything else in or under the copyright infringement provisions that relates to appeals by subscribers); (d) provide for a person on whom jurisdiction is conferred to make awards of compensation, to direct the reimbursement of costs, or to do both; (e) provide for such a person to enforce, or to participate in the enforcement of, any awards or directions made under the code; (f) make other provision for the enforcement of such awards and directions; and (g) make other provision for the purpose of regulating the initial obligations. () OFCOM must not make a code under this section unless they are satisfied that it meets the criteria set out in section 124E. (6) OFCOM must (a) keep a code under this section under review; and (b) by order make any amendment of it that is necessary to ensure that while it is in force it continues to meet the criteria set out in section 124E. (7) The consent of the Secretary of State is required for the making or amendment by OFCOM of a code under this section. (8) Section 3 applies to the power of OFCOM to make an order under this section. (9) A statutory instrument containing an order made by OFCOM under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. 8 Contents of initial obligations code After section 124D of the Communications Act 03 insert 124E Contents of initial obligations code (1) The criteria referred to in sections 124C(6) and 124D() are (a) that the code makes the required provision about copyright infringement reports (see subsection (2)); (b) that it makes the required provision about the notification of subscribers (see subsection (3));
13 Digital Economy Bill [HL] (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) that it makes provision about how internet service providers are to keep information about subscribers; that it limits the time for which they may keep that information; that it makes any provision about contributions towards meeting costs that is required to be included by an order under section 124L; that the requirements concerning enforcement and related matters are met in relation to the code (see subsection (4)); that the provisions of the code are objectively justifiable in relation to the matters to which it relates; that those provisions are not such as to discriminate unduly against particular persons or against a particular description of persons; that those provisions are proportionate to what they are intended to achieve; and that, in relation to what those provisions are intended to achieve, they are transparent. (2) The required provision about copyright infringement reports is provision that specifies (a) requirements as to the means of obtaining evidence of infringement of copyright for inclusion in a report; (b) the standard of evidence that must be included; (c) the required form of the report; and (d) a time limit for making the report. (3) The required provision about the notification of subscribers is provision that specifies, in relation to a subscriber in relation to whom an internet service provider receives one or more copyright infringement reports (a) requirements as to the means by which the provider identifies the subscriber; (b) which of the reports the provider must notify the subscriber of; and (c) requirements as to the form, contents and means of the notification in each case. (4) The requirements concerning enforcement and related matters are (a) that OFCOM or another person has, under the code, the functions of administering and enforcing it, including the function of resolving copyright infringement disputes; (b) that any such other person is sufficiently independent of internet service providers and copyright owners; (c) that there is a person who, under the code, has the function of determining subscriber appeals; (d) that that person is sufficiently independent of internet service providers, copyright owners and OFCOM; and (e) that there are adequate arrangements under the code for the costs of the carrying out by a person mentioned in paragraph (a) or (c) of functions in relation to the code to be met by internet service providers and copyright owners. () The provision mentioned in subsection (4) may include, in particular
14 Digital Economy Bill [HL] 11 (a) (b) provision for the payment, to a person specified in the code, of a penalty not exceeding the maximum penalty for the time being specified in section 124K(2); provision requiring a copyright owner to indemnify an internet service provider for any loss or damage resulting from the owner s failure to comply with the code or the copyright infringement provisions. (6) In this section copyright infringement dispute means a dispute that (a) is between one or more copyright owners, internet service providers or subscribers; and (b) relates to an act or omission in relation to an initial obligation or the initial obligations code; subscriber appeal means an appeal by a subscriber about (a) a copyright infringement report; (b) identification of the subscriber as a person in relation to whom the report was made; (c) retention by an internet service provider of details of an alleged infringement; or (d) inclusion of those details in a copyright infringement list. 1 9 Progress reports After section 124E of the Communications Act 03 insert 124F Progress reports (1) OFCOM must prepare the following reports for the Secretary of State about the infringement of copyright by subscribers to internet access services. (2) OFCOM must prepare a full report for (a) the period of 12 months beginning with the first day on which there is an initial obligations code in force; and (b) each successive period of 12 months. (3) OFCOM must prepare an interim report for (a) the period of 3 months beginning with the first day on which there is an initial obligations code in force; and (b) each successive period of 3 months, other than one ending at the same time as a period of 12 months under subsection (2). (4) A full report under this section must include (a) an assessment of the current level of subscribers use of internet access services to infringe copyright; (b) a description of the steps taken by copyright owners to enable subscribers to obtain lawful access to copyright works; (c) a description of the steps taken by copyright owners to inform, and change the attitude of, members of the public in relation to the infringement of copyright; (d) an assessment of the extent of the steps mentioned in paragraphs (b) and (c); 2 3 4
15 12 Digital Economy Bill [HL] (e) (f) (g) (h) an assessment of the extent to which copyright owners have made copyright infringement reports; an assessment of the extent to which they have brought legal proceedings against subscribers in relation to whom such reports have been made; an assessment of the extent to which any such proceedings have been against subscribers in relation to whom a substantial number of reports have been made; and anything else that the Secretary of State directs OFCOM to include in the report. () An interim report under this section must include (a) the assessments mentioned in subsection (4)(a), (e) and (f); and (b) anything else that the Secretary of State directs OFCOM to include in the report. (6) OFCOM must send a report prepared under this section to the Secretary of State as soon as practicable after the end of the period for which it is prepared. 1 Obligations to limit internet access: assessment and preparation After section 124F of the Communications Act 03 insert 124G Obligations to limit internet access: assessment and preparation (1) The Secretary of State may direct OFCOM to (a) assess whether one or more technical obligations should be imposed on internet service providers; (b) take steps to prepare for the obligations; (c) provide a report on the assessment or steps to the Secretary of State. (2) A technical obligation, in relation to an internet service provider, is an obligation for the provider to take a technical measure against particular subscribers to its service. (3) A technical measure is a measure that (a) limits the speed or other capacity of the service provided to a subscriber; (b) prevents a subscriber from using the service to gain access to particular material, or limits such use; (c) suspends the service provided to a subscriber; or (d) limits the service provided to a subscriber in another way. (4) The assessment and steps that the Secretary of State may direct OFCOM to carry out or take under subsection (1) include, in particular (a) consultation of copyright owners, internet service providers, subscribers or any other person; (b) an assessment of the likely efficacy of a technical measure in relation to a particular type of internet access service; and (c) steps to prepare a proposed technical obligations code. 2 3
16 Digital Economy Bill [HL] 13 () Internet service providers must give OFCOM any assistance that OFCOM reasonably require for the purposes of complying with any direction under this section. (6) The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament any direction under this section. 11 Obligations to limit internet access After section 124G of the Communications Act 03 insert 124H Obligations to limit internet access (1) The Secretary of State may at any time by order impose a technical obligation on internet service providers if the Secretary of State considers it appropriate in view of (a) an assessment carried out or steps taken by OFCOM under section 124G; or (b) any other consideration. (2) An order under this section must specify the date from which the technical obligation is to have effect, or provide for it to be specified. (3) The order may also specify (a) the criteria for taking the technical measure concerned against a subscriber; (b) the steps to be taken as part of the measure and when they are to be taken Code by OFCOM about obligations to limit internet access After section 124H of the Communications Act 03 insert 124I Code by OFCOM about obligations to limit internet access (1) For any period during which there are one or more technical obligations in force under section 124H, OFCOM must by order make a technical obligations code for the purpose of regulating those obligations. (2) The code may be made separately from, or in combination with, any initial obligations code made under section 124D. (3) A code under this section may (a) do any of the things mentioned in section 124C(3) to () or section 124D(4)(a)to (f)); and (b) make other provision for the purpose of regulating the technical obligations. (4) OFCOM must not make a code under this section unless they are satisfied that it meets the criteria set out in section 124J. () OFCOM must (a) keep a code under this section under review; and (b) by order make any amendment of it that is necessary to ensure that while it is in force it continues to meet the criteria set out in section 124J. 2 3
17 14 Digital Economy Bill [HL] (6) The consent of the Secretary of State is required for the making or amendment by OFCOM of a code under this section. (7) Section 3 applies to the power of OFCOM to make an order under this section. (8) A statutory instrument containing an order made by OFCOM under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. 13 Contents of code about obligations to limit internet access After section 124I of the Communications Act 03 insert 124J Contents of code about obligations to limit internet access (1) The criteria referred to in section 124I(4) are (a) that the requirements concerning enforcement and related matters are met in relation to the code (see subsection (2)); (b) that it makes any provision about contributions towards meeting costs that is required to be included by an order under section 124L; (c) that it makes any other provision that the Secretary of State requires it to make; (d) that the provisions of the code are objectively justifiable in relation to the matters to which it relates; (e) that those provisions are not such as to discriminate unduly against particular persons or against a particular description of persons; (f) that those provisions are proportionate to what they are intended to achieve; and (g) that, in relation to what those provisions are intended to achieve, they are transparent. (2) The requirements concerning enforcement and related matters are (a) that OFCOM or another person has, under the code, the functions of administering and enforcing it, including the function of resolving copyright infringement disputes; (b) that any such other person is sufficiently independent of internet service providers and copyright owners; (c) that there is a person who, under the code, has the function of determining subscriber appeals; (d) that that person is sufficiently independent of internet service providers, copyright owners and OFCOM; (e) that there are adequate arrangements under the code for the costs of the carrying out by a person mentioned in paragraph (a) or (c) of functions in relation to the code to be met by internet service providers and copyright owners; and (f) that provision is made, in accordance with subsection (3), for the appeal to the First-tier Tribunal of determinations of subscriber appeals. (3) The provision mentioned in subsection (2)(f) is provision
18 Digital Economy Bill [HL] 1 (a) (b) (c) enabling a determination of a subscriber appeal to be appealed to the First-tier Tribunal, including on grounds that it was based on an error of fact, wrong in law or unreasonable; giving the First-tier Tribunal power, in relation to an appeal to it, to (i) withdraw a technical measure; (ii) confirm a technical measure; (iii) take any steps that a person administering or enforcing the code could take in relation to the act or omission giving rise to the technical measure; (iv) remit the decision whether to confirm the technical measure, or any matter relating to that decision, to a person mentioned in subsection (2)(c); (v) award costs; in relation to recovery of costs awarded by the Tribunal. (4) The provision mentioned in subsection (2) may also (unless the Secretary of State requires otherwise) include, in particular (a) provision for the payment, to a person specified in the code, of a penalty not exceeding the maximum penalty for the time being specified in section 124K(2); (b) provision requiring a copyright owner to indemnify an internet service provider for any loss or damage resulting from the owner s infringement or error in relation to the code or the copyright infringement provisions; (c) provision for the taking of a technical measure to be postponed until a subscriber appeal to a person mentioned in subsection (2)(c) or an appeal to the First-tier Tribunal has been determined. () In this section copyright infringement dispute means a dispute that (a) is between one or more copyright owners, internet service providers or subscribers; and (b) relates to an act or omission in relation to a technical obligation or the technical obligations code; subscriber appeal means an appeal by a subscriber against (a) the proposed taking of a technical measure against a subscriber; or (b) the taking of a technical measure against a subscriber Enforcement of obligations After section 124J of the Communications Act 03 insert 124K Enforcement of obligations (1) Sections 94 to 96 apply in relation to a contravention of an initial obligation or a technical obligation, or a contravention of an obligation under section 124G(), as they apply in relation to a contravention of a condition set out under section 4. 4
19 16 Digital Economy Bill [HL] (2) The amount of the penalty imposed under section 96 as applied by this section is to be such amount not exceeding,000 as OFCOM determine to be (a) appropriate; and (b) proportionate to the contravention in respect of which it is imposed. (3) In making that determination OFCOM must have regard to (a) any representations made to them by the internet service provider; (b) any steps taken by the provider towards complying with the obligations contraventions of which have been notified to the provider under section 94 (as applied); and (c) any steps taken by the provider for remedying the consequences of those contraventions. (4) The Secretary of State may by order amend this section so as to substitute a different maximum penalty for the maximum penalty for the time being specified in subsection (2). () No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (4) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House. 1 Sharing of costs After section 124K of the Communications Act 03 insert 124L Sharing of costs (1) The Secretary of State may by order specify provision that must be included in an initial obligations code or a technical obligations code about payment of contributions towards costs incurred under the copyright infringement provisions. (2) Provision specified under subsection (1) may relate to, in particular (a) payment by a copyright owner of a contribution towards the costs that an internet service provider incurs; (b) payment by a copyright owner or internet service provider of a contribution towards the costs that OFCOM incur. (3) Provision specified under subsection (1) may include, in particular (a) provision about costs incurred before the provision is included in an initial obligations code or a technical obligations code; (b) provision for payment in advance of expected costs (and for reimbursement of overpayments where the costs incurred are less than expected); (c) provision about how costs, expected costs or contributions must be calculated; (d) other provision about when and how contributions must be paid
20 Digital Economy Bill [HL] Interpretation and consequential provision (1) After section 124L of the Communications Act 03 insert 124M Interpretation In sections 124A to 124L and this section apparent infringement, in relation to a copyright infringement report, means the infringement of copyright that the report states appears to have taken place; copyright infringement list has the meaning given in section 124B(2); copyright infringement provisions means sections 124A to 124L and this section; copyright infringement report has the meaning given in section 124A(3); copyright owner means (a) a copyright owner within the meaning of Part 1 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (see section 173 of that Act); or (b) someone authorised by that person to act on the person s behalf; copyright work has the same meaning as in Part 1 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (see section 1(2) of that Act); initial obligations has the meaning given in section 124C(1); initial obligations code has the meaning given in section 124A(2); internet access service means an electronic communications service that (a) is provided to a subscriber; (b) consists entirely or mainly of the provision of access to the internet; and (c) includes the allocation of an IP address or IP addresses to the subscriber to enable that access; internet service provider means a person who provides an internet access service; IP address means an internet protocol address; subscriber, in relation to an internet access service, means a person who (a) receives the service under an agreement between the person and the provider of the service; and (b) does not receive it as a communications provider; technical measure has the meaning given in section 124G(3); technical obligation has the meaning given in section 124G(2); technical obligations code means a code for the time being in force under section 124I. (2) In section 13(3) of that Act (information required for purposes of Chapter 1 functions), after paragraph (i) insert (ia) preparing a report under section 124F;
21 18 Digital Economy Bill [HL] (ib) carrying out an assessment, taking steps or providing a report under section 124G;. (3) In Schedule 8 to that Act (decisions not subject to appeal to the Competition Appeal Tribunal), after paragraph 9 insert 9A A decision relating to any of sections 124A to 124M or to anything done under them. 17 Power to amend copyright provisions In Part 7 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (miscellaneous and general) after section 2 insert Prevention or reduction of online infringement of copyright 2A Power to amend Part 1 and this Part (1) The Secretary of State may by order amend Part 1 or this Part for the purpose of preventing or reducing the infringement of copyright by means of the internet, if it appears to the Secretary of State appropriate to do so having regard to technological developments that have occurred or are likely to occur. (2) The following provisions apply to the power conferred by this section. (3) Subsections (4) to (6) do not limit that power. (4) The power may be exercised so as to make new provision or to amend or repeal provision (whenever made). () The power may be exercised so as to (a) confer a power or right or impose a duty on any person; (b) modify or remove a power, right or duty of any person; (c) require a person to pay fees. (6) The power includes power to (a) make different provision for different cases; (b) make transitional or saving provision; (c) make any consequential amendment, repeal or revocation of provision (whenever made) contained in or made under an Act. (7) The power does not include power to create or modify a criminal offence. (8) An order under this section must be made by statutory instrument. (9) Before making any order under this section the Secretary of State must consult such persons who the Secretary of State thinks likely to be affected by the order, or who represent any of those persons, as the Secretary of State thinks fit. () A statutory instrument containing an order under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament
22 Digital Economy Bill [HL] 19 Powers in relation to internet domain registries 18 Powers in relation to internet domain registries After section 124M of the Communications Act 03 insert Powers in relation to internet domain registries 124N Notification of failure in relation to internet domain registry (1) This section applies where the Secretary of State (a) is satisfied that a serious relevant failure in relation to an internet domain registry is taking place or has taken place, and (b) wishes to exercise the powers under section 124O or 124Q. (2) The Secretary of State must notify the internet domain registry, specifying the failure and a period during which the registry has the opportunity to make representations to the Secretary of State. (3) There is a relevant failure in relation to an internet domain registry if (a) the registry, or any of its registrars or end-users, engages in prescribed practices that are unfair or involve the misuse of internet domain names, or (b) the arrangements made by the registry for dealing with complaints in connection with internet domain names do not comply with prescribed requirements. (4) A relevant failure is serious, for the purposes of this section, if it has adversely affected or is likely adversely to affect (a) the reputation or availability of electronic communications networks or electronic communications services provided in the United Kingdom or a part of the United Kingdom, or (b) the interests of consumers or members of the public in the United Kingdom or a part of the United Kingdom. () In this section and sections 124O to 124Q end-user, in relation to an internet domain registry, means a person who has been or wants to be allocated an internet domain name that is or would be included in the register maintained by the registry; internet domain means an internet domain indicated by the last element of an internet domain name or by that element together with one or more of the preceding elements of the name; internet domain registry means a relevant body that (a) maintains a register of all of the internet domain names that belong to a particular internet domain, and (b) operates a computer program or server that forms part of the system that enables the names included in the register to be used to access internet portal addresses or other information by means of the internet; prescribed means prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State; 1 2 3
23 Digital Economy Bill [HL] registrar, in relation to an internet domain registry, means a person authorised by the registry to act on behalf of end-users in connection with the registration of internet domain names; relevant body means a company formed and registered under the Companies Act 06 or a limited liability partnership. 19 Appointment of manager of internet domain registry (1) After section 124N of the Communications Act 03 insert 124O Appointment of manager of internet domain registry (1) This section applies where (a) the Secretary of State has given a notification under section 124N to an internet domain registry specifying a failure, (b) the period allowed for making representations has expired, and (c) the Secretary of State is satisfied that the registry has not taken the steps that the Secretary of State considers appropriate for remedying the failure and any consequences of the failure. (2) The Secretary of State may by order appoint a manager in respect of the property and affairs of the internet domain registry for the purpose of securing that the registry takes the steps described in subsection (1)(c). (3) The person appointed may be anyone whom the Secretary of State thinks appropriate. (4) The appointment of the manager does not affect (a) a right of a person to appoint a receiver of the registry s property, or (b) the rights of a receiver appointed by a person other than the Secretary of State. () The Secretary of State must (a) keep the order under review, and (b) if appropriate, discharge all or part of the order. (6) The Secretary of State must discharge the order on the appointment of a person to act as administrative receiver, administrator, provisional liquidator or liquidator of the registry. (7) When discharging an order under this section, the Secretary of State may make savings and transitional provision. (8) The Secretary of State must send a copy of an order made under this section to the registry as soon as practicable after it is made. (9) In subsection (4), receiver includes a manager (other than a manager appointed by the registry) and a person who is appointed as both receiver and manager. () In subsection (6) administrative receiver means an administrative receiver within the meaning of section 21 of the Insolvency Act 1986 or Article (1) of the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 (S.I. 1989/ 2 (N.I. 19)); 1 2 3
24 Digital Economy Bill [HL] 21 administrator means a person appointed to manage the affairs, business and property of the registry under Schedule B1 to that Act or Schedule B1 to that Order. 124P Functions of manager etc (1) An order under section 124O may make provision about the functions to be exercised by, and the powers of, the manager. (2) The order may, in particular (a) provide for the manager to have such of the functions of the registry s directors as are specified in the order (including functions exercisable only by a particular director or class of directors), and (b) provide for the registry s directors to be prevented from exercising any of those functions. (3) The order may make provision about the remuneration of the manager, including in particular (a) provision for the amount of the remuneration to be determined by the Secretary of State, and (b) provision for the remuneration to be payable from the property of the registry. (4) In carrying out the functions conferred by the order, the manager acts as the company s agent. () The Secretary of State may apply to the court for directions in relation to any matter arising in connection with the functions or powers of the manager (and the costs of the application are to be paid by the registry). (6) On an application under subsection () the court may give such directions or make such orders as it thinks fit. (7) In this section the court means (a) in England and Wales, the High Court or a county court, (b) in Scotland, the Court of Session or the sheriff, and (c) in Northern Ireland, the High Court. (8) Where the registry is a limited liability partnership, this section applies as if references to a director of the registry were references to a member of the limited liability partnership. (2) In section 192(1)(d) of that Act (appeals against decisions of the Secretary of State), after sub-paragraph (ii) insert (iia) an order under section 124O;. (3) In section 2(1) of that Act (powers of the Secretary of State to make orders and regulations), after conferred by insert section 124O and. Application to court to alter constitution of internet domain registry After section 124P of the Communications Act 03 insert 124Q Application to court to alter constitution of internet domain registry (1) This section applies where 1 2 3
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