BPI asked to publish web site-blocking proposals

Advocacy groups want details of secret meetings between rights holders and ISPs

Several advocacy groups, including digital campaigner the Open Rights Group, have signed an open letter requesting details of proposed plans for web site blocking from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).

The BPI has been asked to draft plans as a result of meetings that have been held between rights holders and ISPs since autumn last year to establish a "Plan B" to web site blocking.

The open letter claims that decisions for site blocking would be "unaccountable". It also says that because this would infringe on "citizens' freedom of expression" and be a law enforcement task, details should be available for "open public debate".

Details of the meetings have remained fairly secretive, but one proposal that has emerged is for the formation of an independent regulatory body similar to the Internet Watch Foundation.

This body would collate information from web sites infringing copyright, and compile a blacklist for ISPs to block.

It has come under serious criticism from Jim Killock, executive director of the Open Rights Group.

"I don't think this is a feasible option," said Killock.

"The IWF operates as an unofficial national censor, and its operation without due legal process is arguably a serious breach of everyone's rights. But because it deals with child abuse images everyone keeps quiet about it," he added.

"It is basically unaccountable. If you get something blocked and you want to object to it, who do you complain to? Is there some way you can get to a court to get this resolved? No: the final decision is made by police, rather than courts."

A freedom of information request has also been submitted to establish details of the previous meetings between ISPs and rights holders, but is currently on hold pending a public interest test.