The digital economy bill passed after third reading

Digital-Economy-BillUnlawful web usage is set to get a blow as the digital economy cleared the parliamentary hurdle. After three rounds of reading the MPs finally passed the bill, but certainly not before forcing a few changes.

The bill aims at minimizing the unethical and unlawful usage of web services. The bill stresses on suspension of repeat file sharers, open internet connections. It also allows the politicians to block pirate websites without any primary legislation.

The proposal to ban any site without primary legislation is replaced with an amendment allowing the secretary of state for business to block any site that the court finds indulged in an activity related to copyright breach.

The bill will now go back to the Lords for the final approval, which is viewed as just a formality. Once this formality is over, no further parliamentary process would be left.

Earlier Mps were criticized for not being present at the time of the second hearing.

However, a huge campaign is expected from the digital right activist against the bill during the run up to general election with thousands of activists seeking answers from their candidates.