A tech expert has said politicians should not be allowed to "manipulate" the websites that home broadband users are able to access.

Trefor Davies, chief technology officer of broadband provider Timico, argued there is little point in Whitehall officials attempting to restrict access to filesharing sites such as Bit Torrent, insisting that doing so is "too big a job".

Furthermore, he questioned whether or not policymakers have the right to control consumers' internet browsing habits.

For instance, Mr Davies cited the example of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition blocking access to Labour Party sites, which he admitted "sounds unlikely".

But he questioned: "How about a left wing revolutionary group promoting violent agitation? Where is the line in between?"

The expert's comments come after communications minister Ed Vaizey floated proposals for internet service providers to do more to restrict access to online resources that promote illegal downloading.

Previously, TalkTalk has hit out at plans for broadband firms to foot some of the bill for contacting customers suspected of taking part in this activity.

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