Society and Internet: British libraries and universities protest against government wi-fi plans

The UK government's Digital Economy Bill includes plans to make libraries and universities responsible for what is done over free wi-fi.

The plans imply that libraries, universities and cafes offering free wireless will be responsible if people use it to pirate movies and music. Bodies representing universities want the law clarified so they are not hit with big bills for policing every user. Some fear that the provisions in the Bill will also spell the end for the free wi-fi services that many coffee shops and restaurants offer to patrons.

The Digital Economy Bill contains many changes to existing laws governing use of the net and is currently being debated in Parliament. One of the most divisive elements is the so-called "three strikes rule" that would give regulator Ofcom new powers to disconnect or slow down the connections of persistent net pirates.

In a public document explaining the new changes, the government has said it will not exempt universities and libraries from ensuring that the networks they use are not used to infringe copyright.