London - The U.K. record industry trade group (BPI) has called on Internet service providers in the country to adopt anti-piracy strategies similar to those recently taken in France, where they are now required to shut off access to those who use file-sharing networks to acquire copyrighted content, and the U.K. government is set to propose legislation to that effect, according to reports. "We simply want ISPs to advise customers if their account is being used to distribute music illegally, and then, if the advice is ignored, enforce their own terms and conditions about abuse of the account," said BPI CEO Geoff Taylor, adding that illegal downloading "costs the music business hundreds of millions of pounds a year."

The U.K. government is expected within coming weeks to propose legislation that would require ISPs to send notices to subscribers using their accounts for illegal file-sharing, and then dole out suspensions or terminations for repeated abuses, Billboard and others reported.

"The tide of opinion is flowing in favour of ISP responsibility," said John Kennedy, chairman and CEO of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

"The UK joins France in providing international leadership on this issue. ISP cooperation has been the top priority for the recording industry for the last three years.

ISPs are the gatekeepers of the internet and it is feasible and reasonable for them to take steps against widespread copyright infringement."

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/1zks7 (BPI statement)

http://snipurl.com/1zksi (Billboard)

http://snipurl.com/1zksw (Reuters)

http://www.ifpi.org/content/section_news/20080212.html

http://snipurl.com/1zktm (BPI head Times Online op-ed)