The government's attempts to crack down on illegal filesharing have been heavily criticised by one broadband provider.

According to TalkTalk, the new digital economy bill could infringe human rights by allowing web users' connections to be cut as soon as they are suspected of prohibited activity.

The firm described the proposed legislation as "a further backward step", having previously dismissed the filesharing plans as "unwieldy and ill-conceived".

Charles Dunstone, Chief Executive of TalkTalk, said that while the firm does not support copyright infringement, further policing is not the answer to illegal content sharing.

Plans to ignore due process by cutting connections without a trial could infringe on the freedom of speech, he claimed.

Mr Dunstone added: "This so-called secondary legislation side-steps any debate, oversight or public scrutiny.

"It doesn't matter how many websites are blocked, how many services are shut down or how many individuals are pursued, people will always find ways to access copyrighted content for free."

At present, individuals suspected of illegal filesharing must be taken to court and a case proved against them before action is taken.