Top Tips on the Digital Economy Act

ZyXEL Communications UK has launched its Digital Economy Act (DEA) reseller information and support initiative. The initiative aims to arm resellers with the facts and insight in order that they can consult with their customers on the best way to stay on the legal side of the Digital Economy Act.
 
Announced last year and passed as a bill in April 2010 the Digital Economy Act passes power to Ofcom to enforce a code of practice (to be ratified in January 2011). The current proposal from Ofcom is a ‘three-strike’ system whereby if illegal download activity takes place the ISP will send the broadband subscriber written notification up to three-times. After three notifications the subscriber could have their details placed on an infringement database which could lead to prosecution by the copyright owners with fines of between £5k -£50k imposed.
 
With that in mind businesses have an implied obligation to not only secure their network but it would be sensible to keep a structured and automated record of network activity in the event of a challenge from a copyright owner.
 
ZyXEL believes this legislation could have serious implications for many businesses in the UK, and has put together a handy guide with tips on how the Digital Economy Act could affect their reseller’s customers and how they can help protect them.
 
Says ZyXEL’s product manager, James Harris: “It’s clear that legislation is going through that will take a much harder line on those who persistently infringe copyright by downloading illegal content. We believe that by providing our resellers with the knowledge and products that can help their customers avoid inadvertently breaking the law we add-value to our relationship.”

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