The awful UK Digital Economy Bill is being debated in the House of Lords, and it might just get more awful, thanks to the LibDems. The LibDem peers, Lords Razzall and Clement-Jones, have introduced an amendment that would open the door to nationally censoring entire websites on unsubstantiated claims of copyright infringement — so YouTube or WordPress.com might disappear from the British Internet if someone makes a false accusation of copyright infringement against them.

The LibDems are supposed to be the party of liberty. That’s why I joined them. That’s why I fundraise and campaign for them. I believe that this is an embarrassment for the party, and I’m writing to them to tell them so. I hope you will, too.

“97B Preventing access to specified online locations

(1) The High Court (in Scotland, the Court of Session) shall have power to grant an injunction against a service provider, requiring it to prevent access to online locations specified in the order of the Court.

Lib Dems seek web blocking: ask them to stop (Thanks, Glyn!)