Seeking views on increasing the maximum custodial sentence for online copyright infringement from two to ten years.
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 responseA four week consultation on changes to the penalties for online copyright infringement (PDF,656 KB) closed on 17 August 2015.
Government consultation principles (PDF, 55.9 KB) suggest a response within twelve weeks or, a statement if this is not possible.
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.
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.
It is anticipated that a response will be published before 31 December 2015.