DEB: Consumer Focus and Second Reading
To complement my summary of the problems for universities and colleges with the Digital Economy Bill, Consumer Focus have published an analysis of the problems for consumers. They too note that even the revised Impact Assessment still ignores many groups who will be affected (including universities, colleges, libraries and all businesses providing wifi access), and they highlight problems with the processes for imposing technical measures and appealing against notices.
The second reading of the Bill in the Commons has now been scheduled for April 6th. As the Guardian notes, that leaves little or no time for debate before Parliament is dissolved before the General Election, so it appears likely that what gets into law will be as much of the current bill, passed by the Lords, as the government and opposition front benches can agree on.
