A NEW UK law on internet usage could have an affect on the town-wide Wi-fi scheme for Swindon.

The Digital Economy Bill, which could become law ahead of a likely general election in May, will bring in laws enabling new rights for owners of internet companies, like Digital City, to cut off or restrict internet access for users who are caught illegally downloading films and music online.

The law would leave many organisations open to the same penalties for copyright infringement as individual subscribers, which could include disconnection from the internet.

Some leading legal experts have said the new law could make it almost impossible for small businesses to offer wi-fi access due to the penalties they could face.

The bill contains measures designed to combat piracy and, if it were to be passed as law, it would force internet service providers, such as Digital City, to pass on information about persistent offenders to the companies who own the rights that are being infringed.

The bill is currently in the House of Lords, where it will soon get a third reading, when peers get the chance to table final changes.

Internet expert Martyn Daniels commented on the new bill and used Swindon as an example of something that could be affected if the bill is passed.

He said: “So anyone with a free wi-fi network now is liable for strangers' copyright infringements.

“So does this include or exclude cafes, hotels and community services? And remember Swindon is about to offer city wide wi-fi.

“Wi-fi operators could police their networks and block certain unlawful file-sharing sites, but is this really practical and who decides and draws the line?”

Digital City has already rolled out wi-fi access in Highworth and, providing the rest of Swindon Council’s £450,000 investment is signed off next Wednesday, the scheme will be available across the entire town.

The scheme will provide two-hours free a day for people living in the town alongside paid-for internet packages.

Digital City chief executive Rikki Hunt said: “It is a bill that is still going through and it is, in effect, a way for the Government to pass responsibility onto us as the provider.

“If passed, it will affect us, but at this stage we don't know how.

“As the small, new kids on the block we are watching the big boys to take the lead from them.”