That government report outlining proposals to be considered regarding combating the illegal distribution of music on the internet - the one the Times reckons will include proposals to make internet service providers operate a three strikes system whereby persistent file sharers will lose their internet connections - is due to be published today.
Commenting on those potential proposals ahead of the report's publication, the Liberal Democrat's culture man Don Foster told reporters that while he recognises the need to combat illegal file sharing, that moves to do so should not impeach consumer privacy rights. He said: "Illegal file sharing is a serious threat to the British music industry, but the Government must ensure that the right to privacy remains an absolute priority. We will resist any new laws which undermine the principles behind existing data protection laws. We need to find a balance which allows rights holders to target the criminals raking in huge profits from this crime without threatening basic civil liberties or dramatically changing the relationship between internet service providers and users. Self-regulation would be preferable and it is now up to the internet service providers to demonstrate this will work".