ISPs to face piracy legislation

Proposals outlined today by the government tell ISPs that they should take stronger action against users who illegally download material from the web.

Speaking in today's Financial Times, Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said that consultation would begin in spring and any legislation could be implemented "by April 2009".

One piece of legislation likely to be considered is the 'three-strikes regime'. Under this system users suspected of downloading files illegally will receive a warning email for the first offence, a suspension for the second infringement and possible termination of contract if caught a third time.

The government is coming under increasing pressure from the music and film lobby to take ISPs to task for their part in facilitating illegal downloading. However, ISPs say they only act as a gateway and can not control the activities of their customers.

Legislation prohibiting illegal downloading is being welcomed by representatives of the recording industry.

"ISPs are in a unique position to make a difference and in doing so to reverse a culture of creation-without-reward that has proved so damaging to the whole music community over the last few years," said John Kennedy, head of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

However, a spokesperson for the Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) said that creating appropriate legislation would be very difficult.

Brian Ahern of ISPA said: "Any scheme has got to be legal, workable and economically sustainable," adding that ISPs were already pursuing self-regulation, which was the government's preferred route.

www.ispa.org.uk
www.ifpi.org
www.bpi.co.uk

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