(1 October 2009 7:30 pm)

MUMBAI: UK-based BT Group has criticised a government proposal that would allow authorities in the country to suspend Internet access temporarily for those who engage in copyright-infringing file sharing repeatedly.

BT said the 'summary justice' proposal undermines rights to due process and raise costs for consumers by requiring expensive network interventions on the part of ISPs.

It also said that temporary bans on access would fail to curtail encrypted file-sharing activities while wielding unintended effects such as preventing households from accessing legal services.

It "would institute a regime in which an alleged infringer could face punishment or redress without any kind of judicial scrutiny," the BT response said. "A vicious circle of mistrust between those involved will surely result, with deleterious consequences for all the industries involved, let alone consumers."