Dutch police could soon fine illegal broadcasters in 30 minutes

In a move seemingly inspired by Hollywood films that urge characters to get things done quickly, Dutch authorities are now looking into speeding up the oft-timely process of fining pirate radio operators. They're aiming to levy fines in 30 minutes or less. Can they do it?

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Global news group Radio Netherlands Worldwide - citing an article that originally appeared in the Dutch paper De Telegraaf - explained that broadcast pirates in the region are facing a more pointed crackdown by the local authorities, including Radio Communications Agency Netherlands. The organization is part of the country's Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation and protects both wired and wireless communication. Part of its daily business involves going after said broadcast pirates. And business is good:

This year, 1,600 warnings have already been issued, and 60 people have been fined. Fines are not just reserved for pirates, landowners who allow broadcasts from their property can also receive a penalty.

According to the news site, authorities hope to expedite the entire process of finding and fining lawbreakers. To that end, a policy which doles out a €2,500 fine in the 30 minutes following the arrival of a legal notice is being implemented. Previously, it would take weeks if not months to hit radio pirates with fines, said De Telegraaf. Of course, the infringers have adapted:

[The illegal broadcasters] are now increasingly using mobile stations, so after receiving a warning letter they can simply move to a different site. The collapsible masts used for the broadcasts are sometimes more than forty metres high.

No date has been set for the new policy's implementation. It's also unclear exactly how such a system would successfully operate. No one likes red tape, but slicing through it with a butcher's knife to hasten fine deliveries could have unforeseen consequences. Then again, it's difficult to slap someone's wrist if they've left port. (via TechDirt)

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