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Digital Economy Bill [HL]

My Lords, I support the amendment, which is also in my name and that of my noble friend Lord Clement-Jones. This goes to the essence of the way in which the internet works. For those of us who are libelled, slandered or defamed from time to time over the internet, it is a matter of deep regret that we cannot pursue the relevant ISP in that regard, but we recognise that it is fundamental to the dissemination of the internet that the ISP acts simply as a conduit for the information that is being provided. Therefore, it is vital that nothing in the Bill disrupts the ISP’s position. As the noble Lord, Lord De Mauley, says, if it did, no ISP would accept that anything that passes through its medium infringes copyright. I suspect that the only comment the Minister can make is that the amendment is unnecessary because nothing in the Bill takes away these defences. If he is going to say that, I urge him to think again because this is a very important point for the ISPs, and I see no reason why the amendment cannot be made to the Bill. It would not damage it.