Trading Standards inspectors could soon have more tools to investigate copyright offences in Jersey – including the power to seize digital evidence and make test purchases.
The proposed changes are part of a wider government shake-up of the Island’s intellectual property laws.
Digital piracy is the copying, sharing or selling of films, music, books, software or other creative work online without the rights holder’s permission.
Familiar forms of digital piracy may include illegally streaming films or TV programmes, downloading e-books or games from unauthorised sites, or sharing paid content without permission.
Jersey’s current investigation powers were designed largely with physical goods and business records in mind, before so much potentially pirated material could be stored or shared digitally.
Under draft legislation, inspectors would be able to enter non-residential premises without a warrant to carry out inspections, seize and retain evidence – including digital content – and take action where someone obstructs an investigation.
The government said the changes would not create new intellectual property offences but are intended to give Trading Standards more effective ways to investigate offences that already exist.
The proposals also include changes to the rules on playing broadcasts in public and retransmitting television programmes by cable.
Those measures are intended to ensure that performers and other rights holders are paid when their work is used.
The government is seeking views on the draft law before deciding whether to bring the legislation to the States Assembly.
The consultation closes on Friday 6 November, with a debate planned for early 2027 if the proposals go ahead without substantial changes.
Islanders can have their say on the proposals until Friday 6 November 2026 by emailing L.Ament@gov.je.
