Internet service providers have struck a deal with government and the music industry to help clamp down on illegal downloading.The deal, to be announced later today, is thought to include an agreement for ISPs to send out hundreds of thousands of letters to account holders responsible for illegal downloading.The memorandum of understanding, struck with the BPI, the body that represents record labels, and the government, will be announced today ahead of the launch of a consultation on the introduction of legislation to clampdown on offending.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/jul/24/digitalmedia.piracySurprise in the post for illegal music downloaders
Thousands of parents will learn of their children’s illegal downloading habits when warning letters arrive at their homes in a battle against internet piracy.A government-backed drive is targeting the worst offenders of the estimated 6.5 million web users involved in illicit file-sharing of music and films. Britain’s six largest internet service providers, or ISPs, have joined the scheme, amid estimates that the practice could cost the music industry £1bn in the next five years.One sanction being considered is to disconnect those who ignore warnings under a “three strikes and you’re out” rule similar to a measure under consideration in France. But this is still under consultation, and likely to be opposed by some ISPs.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/jul/24/musicindustry.piracyMusic industry to tax downloaders
Internet users could face an annual charge of up to £30 to download music, under plans to be unveiled today that aim to tackle illegal file-sharing.Ministers are backing proposals that would enable millions of broadband users to pay an annual levy which would allow them to copy as much – previously illegal – music from the internet as they wanted. The money raised would be channelled back to the rights-holders, with artists responsible for the most popular songs receiving a bigger slice of the cash.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/music-industry-to-tax-downloaders-875757.htmlParents to be punished for children’s net piracy
Parents whose children download music and films illegally will be blacklisted and have their internet access curbed under government reforms to fight online piracy.Households that ignore warnings will be subjected to online surveillance and their internet speeds will be reduced, making it very difficult for them to download large files.
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article4387283.eceNet firms in music pirates deal
Six of the UK’s biggest net providers have agreed a plan with the music industry to tackle piracy online.The deal, negotiated by the government, will see hundreds of thousands of letters sent to net users suspected of illegally sharing music.But the music industry wants people’s internet access cut off if they ignore repeated warnings, something the web firms say they are not prepared to do.BT, Virgin, Orange, Tiscali, BSkyB and Carphone Warehouse have all signed up.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7522334.stmQ&A: Music and file-sharing
Hundreds of thousands of UK net users could soon find a letter on their mat from their net supplier saying their account is being used to illegally share files. The letters are one of the most tangible elements of an anti-piracy plan brokered by the government. Here we explain some of the background to the agreement.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7522962.stm
