GOV.UK
Consultation outcome
Changes to penalties for online copyright infringement
This consultation has concluded
Download the full outcome
Detail of outcome
The wide range of responses have been analysed and all relevant points investigated. As a result, government is now carefully considering the best way forward.
Original consultation
This consultation ran from to
Summary
Seeking views on increasing the maximum custodial sentence for online copyright infringement from two to ten years.
Documents
Consultation description
The proposed new measures will increase the sanctions for criminals who infringe the rights of copyright holders for large-scale financial gain and will make clear that online copyright infringement is no less serious than physical infringement.
Explanatory note for delay in consultation response
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A four week consultation on changes to the penalties for online copyright infringement closed on 17 August 2015.
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Government consultation principles suggest a response within twelve weeks or, a statement if this is not possible.
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The consultation attracted over 1,000 responses and raised some important questions about the current legislation and the way in which proposed changes may affect the future application of this offence.
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The government is committed to ensuring that all responses are properly considered and has been conducting an analysis since the consultation closed. Until that work is complete the government is not in a position to issue a response.
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It is anticipated that a response will be published before 31 December 2015.