Google, Facebook, Yahoo and eBay express “grave concerns” over the plans to give minister to power to change copyright law.

Leading internet companies including Google have written to business secretary Peter Mandelson urging him to change the new digital economy bill to throw out a controversial clause that could give future ministers sweeping powers to change copyright law.

Their letter, sent to coincide with today’s second reading of the recently announced bill in the Lords, voices support for parts of the bill and a “shared respect” for copyright. But Google, Facebook, Yahoo and eBay also express “grave concerns” over proposed measures “which risk stifling innovation and damaging the government’s vision for a digital Britain.”

The Guardian has the full story.