Summary of the Digital Economy Bill

The Bill implements aspects of Government policy on digital media set out in the ‘Digital Britain’ White Paper published in June 2009.

Key areas:

- extends the role of Ofcom to include reporting on communications infrastructure and media content;
- imposes obligations on internet service providers to reduce online copyright infringement;
- allows the Secretary of State to intervene in internet domain name registration;
- requires Channel Four to provide public service content on a range of media;
- provides more flexibility over the licensing of Channel 3 and Channel 5 services and allows Ofcom to appoint providers of regional and local news;
- modifies the licensing regime to facilitate switchover to digital radio;
- allows variation of the public service provision in Channel 3 and 5 licences;
- provides Ofcom with additional powers in relation to electromagnetic spectrum access;
- extends the range of video games that are subject to age-related classification;
- makes provision for the regulation of copyright licensing;
- includes non-print formats in the public lending right payment scheme.

Taken from - http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2009-10/digitaleconomy.html