British parents are supposed to be responsible for their children in a civilised world. But I do think that copyright protectors are taking one step too many in trying to zealously safeguard their rights. Children who are found to be downloading pirated songs will have their parents being notified.

If the parents do not take steps to stop this behaviour immediately, would be subjected to online surveillance and have their internet speeds cut to make downloading large files more difficult.

Parents would initially be informed about their childrens activities by the means of a letter (snail mailed) to them by the ISP. ISPs and film and music companies are expected to develop a new code of practice together on how they will deal with infringements, and the Government will then look at their proposals and consider how they can be backed up by new laws.

While this may not sound much, its just the beginning. If parents cant be held responsible for teenagers who indulge in graffiti for example, what allows these companies to hold them responsible for pirating music?

In return for cooperation from the ISPs, the Government has backed off from a tough proposal to disconnect broadband services for users caught out three times. The British Government had planned for such laws following intense pressure from music companies which stands to loose £1 billion in lost CD sales over the next five years.

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