Government to take ISPs to task over illegal downloading

A new Government proposal may lead to internet service providers (ISPs) facing sanctions if they do not curb illegal downloading by their customers.

This follows a leaked government green paper that suggested users could be banned from the internet for downloading illegal files.

It is estimated that around six million people in the UK download music illegally, and the proposal it part of Government plans to attempt to crack down on the behaviour.

Under the proposal, legislature could be brought in by April 2009 which would see ISPs under pressure to take steps to stop illegal downloading, reports BBC News.

John Kennedy of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry said: “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.”

However, a spokesperson for the ISPs Association said that tailoring appropriate legislation would be extremely difficult. “Any scheme has got to be legal, workable and economically sustainable”, he explained.


The Shockwaves NME Awards 2008 are coming soon – and it’s time to have your say. Vote now by heading to NME.COM/awardsvote and you could win VIP tickets to the ceremony, which takes place in London on February 28.