One of the subtler and nastier parts of this is that, while currently the state doesn't impose any sanctions for infringement, sanctions (including disconnection) are planned if the piracy numbers don't go down a lot in the next year or so; but both Ofcom and the Government refuse to say whether being on this list of (alleged?) infringers will be used as evidence once those sanctions are enabled.<p>In other words, this is retroactive punishment.<p>The list is a bit like a criminal record (but with a <i>much</i> lower standard of evidence - mere accusation may be enough), but right now being on it carries no disadvantages, so people may decide not to bother appealing being placed on the list (especially since they shouldn't have to - presumption of innocence and all that). Then a year down the line the Secretary of State for Business has lunch with the IFPI chairman who says, "Remember how we said two years ago how piracy was going to ruin us imminently? Well ignore the fact that it's two years later and not only are we still here but our profits have actually gone <i>up</i>; piracy is <i>still</i> going to ruin us imminently, so you need to start disconnecting people <i>pour encourager les autres</i>." Now suddenly people who were already on the list before said lunch can lose their internet access.