The ISPs, which had argued that the DEA was rushed through parliament without sufficient scrutiny and is "unfair", can now look forward to a full hearing to test the legality of the Act.

Talk Talk executive director of strategy and regulation Andrew Heaney, who mounted the legal challenge in July, says he is pleased the High Court has recognised its concerns about the copyright infringement provisions in the Digital Economy Act.

He adds, "The Act was rushed through Parliament in ...