The communications sector underpins everything Britain does as an economy and society. The rapid drive to digital technology is transforming how both businesses and people operate. And this digital revolution offers great opportunities.
Not only does the digital economy contribute around eight per cent of our GDP, it is vital for the success of every other area of productivity. It is growing in significance as we plan for recovery from the economic downturn. The Government is committed to securing the UK’s position as one of the world’s leading digital knowledge economies.
This Bill would put in place the necessary legislative measures to deliver the strategic vision set out in the Digital Britain White Paper.
The purpose of the Bill is to:
- Strengthen the nation’s communications infrastructures, equipping the UK to compete and lead in the global digital economy.
The main benefits of the Bill would be:
- Promoting a competitive digital communications infrastructure, through proposals on radio licensing, changes to Ofcom’s duties and spectrum modernisation.
- Providing essential support for creative industries in a digital world, through proposals on online copyright infringement and changes to copyright licensing.
- Improving digital security and safety, by putting in place a classification system for boxed video games that meets the needs of parents and children.
- Securing public service content in a rapidly changing broadcasting landscape, through action on the provision of news in the nations, regionally and locally, updating Channel 4 Corporation’s functions and future-proofing the Channel 3 and 5 licences.
The main elements of the Bill are:
- Online infringement of copyright – tackling widespread copyright infringement via a two-stage process. First by making legal action more effective and educating consumers about copyright on-line. Second through reserve powers, if needed, to introduce technical measures, such as disconnection.
- Support the plurality of independent and high quality news in the Nations, locally and in the regions – giving Ofcom powers to appoint and fund Independently Funded News Consortia.
- Digital infrastructure and content – giving Ofcom new duties to promote investment in infrastructure and public service media content, and to carry out an assessment of the UK’s communications infrastructure every two years.
- Mobile and wireless broadband – enabling investment in next generation technologies through spectrum modernisation.
- Digital radio - updating the regulatory framework to make moves to digital switchover for radio possible by 2015.
- Channel 4 Corporation – updating its functions to encompass public service content on all media platforms - online as well as television.
- Video games – protecting children by making age ratings compulsory for all boxed games designed for those aged 12 or above.
