FAST backs court ruling for BT to block access to Newzbin 2

- Industry body welcomes further law enforcement on blocking access to illegitimate website -

The Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) has welcomed the latest High Court Ruling which has given BT 14 days to block access to file-sharing website, Newzbin 2.

Newzbin 2 is a members-only site, which aggregates a large amount of the illegally copied material found on Usenet discussion forums. An original entity named Newzbin was closed down after a High Court ruling in 2010 ordered it to take down links to copyright protected works.

The court ruling marks the first time a British ISP has been told to block a website to protect right holders’ intellectual property in such a scenario.

Julian Heathcote Hobbins, General Counsel, FAST commented: “The earlier court ruling in July, which compelled BT to stop its UK customers accessing links to the Newzbin 2 website, was a massive leap forward for the industry. The latest step by the courts to set a deadline by which BT is to block access to Newzbin2 is fully welcomed by FAST. We must encourage legitimate offerings to succeed. One cannot compete with free. IP owners must now utilise this tool after the success of this test case”

Julian continued: “FAST has campaigned hard to protect members’ intellectual property from infringers and research shows that when challenged, the overwhelming majority of file-sharers cease. This latest measure to challenge infringers is therefore welcome.

“Protecting IP rights is not just academic but directly impacts the strength of the UK economy. From speaking to a micro software business, I know that without properly respected rights, the incentive to develop new creative ideas and take them to market as products is far reduced for fear of limited returns. Why take the investment risk? Piracy threatens people’s jobs.

 “FAST stands shoulder to shoulder with colleagues in the content industry on this issue,” continued Julian.

About FAST

The Federation Against Software Theft was formed in 1984; it was the first organisation globally to champion the professional management of legitimate software and protect publishers' rights. It aims to reduce, restrict and or lessen the incidence of unauthorised dealings in computer software.

FAST is a not-for-profit organisation limited by guarantee and wholly owned by its members. It works on many fronts to promote the legitimate use of software and protect its members' rights through education, enforcement, lobbying and promoting standards and best practice in business. www.fastiis.org

Press Contacts:

Robin Campbell-Burt
Spreckley Partners Ltd.
T: 020 7388 9988
E: fastiis@spreckley.co.uk