Judges back companies over web file sharing

Three appeal judges rejected a challenge by BT and TalkTalk, two of the UK’s largest internet service providers (ISPs).

Lawyers for the ISPs argued that the Digital Economy Act (DEA) and its measures affecting people sharing files over the internet were incompatible with European Union law.

They also argued the legislation would result in an invasion of privacy and run up disproportionate costs for ISPs and consumers.

Lady Justice Arden, Lord Justice Richards and Lord Justice Patten disagreed.

They unanimously upheld a High Court ruling that the DEA was a proportionate response to illegal file-sharing and legally enforceable under both European and domestic law.

The creative industries claim online piracy costs them £400m a year with regard to films, music and books.