ISPs join file sharing crackdown

UK internet service providers have joined forces with the UK record industry to crack down on illegal file sharing.

The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) - which represents thousands of UK record labels - has signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreement with the six largest UK ISPs to help tackle the problem.

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The agreement will see thousands of "informative" letters sent out by ISPs to customers identified as using their internet service illegally.

ISPs are obliged to work with the music industry and rights' holders to bring about a "significant reduction" in illegal file sharing through education and by developing legal online services.

The different groups will also work under the guidance of regulator Ofcom to bring about effective ways to deal with people who repeatedly use illegal file sharing sites.

The BPI's CEO, Geoff Taylor, said the agreement is a "significant step forward" as ISPs are now recognising their responsibility to help tackle the problem.

The BPI says a partnership - much like the deal it struck with Virgin Media in June - is the best approach to raise awareness about illegal file sharing.

Taylor said the agreement will also pave the way for future digital music service models "where creativity and copyright are respected".

The deal between ISPs and the music industry was reached under the guidance of the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and also includes the Motion Pictures Association of America.