Brits to Ban Pirate's Internet Access

LOS ANGELES – The British are set to unveil a novel new strategy for dealing with file traders and other users that illegally download copyrighted materials: banning them from the Internet.

New legislation scheduled for next week will require Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to cut access to customers trying to download pirated music or other media; with a warning email sent on the first offence; suspension of services in response to further infringement and termination of Internet services on a "three strikes and your out" policy.

ISPs that do not enforce the new rules would face prosecution.

While no decision has been made on whether or not ISPs should share information about infringers, such a policy would need to be enacted in order to prevent ISP-hopping.

Six million British Internet users annually download illegally copyrighted materials.

Hollywood has been in talks with UK ISPs BT, Tiscali, Orange and Virgin Media, for six months, trying to hammer out a voluntary enforcement scheme, while negotiations with music industry and ISP executives having languished for several years.

"We call upon ISPs to take action now," Roz Groome, vice-president of antipiracy for NBC Universal, said. "They must play their part in the fight against online piracy and work with rights owners to ensure that ISPs' customers do not use their services for illegal activity."

While ISPs acknowledge the problem, they do not see legislation as the solution.

"Every right-thinking body knows that self-regulation is much the better option in these areas," said a spokesperson for the Internet Service Providers Association.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Publishes Analysis of Federal Trade Commission Event Promoting AV

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an analysis of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) event held this week that promoted age verification among other forms of speech regulation.

GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking

Michael Pratt, former owner of the rogue website GirlsDoPorn, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on Thursday to sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking charges, according to a report by City News Service.

Master Nico Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Master Nico has relaunched his official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Federal Judge Grants Partial Halt of Florida AV Law

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division, has granted a preliminary injunction against HB 3, the state's age verification law, as a lawsuit filed by two online trade associations challenging the law makes its way through the courts.

Aylo Releases Statement on Suspending Access to Pornhub in France

Technology and media company Aylo, which operates adult sites including Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube, has released a public statement regarding its decision to block access to its sites in France.

Pineapple Support to Host Wellness Sessions at Bucharest Summit

Pineapple Support is hosting free group and one-on-one therapy sessions at Bucharest Summit, June 3-5.

Pornhub Blocks Access in France in Response to SREN Law

Pornhub parent company Aylo has opted to block access to its sites in France rather than comply with age verification requirements under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

ASACP Highlights Study on Parental Controls

The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) is highlighting the results of a study on the underutilization of parental controls.

Sydney Screams Launches New Site Through Grooby's Blue.xxx

Sydney Screams has launched her new membership site, SydneyScreams.xxx, through Grooby's website management company Blue.xxx.

Mistress Mystii Is LoyalFans' 'Featured Creator' for June

LoyalFans has named Mistress Mystii as its Featured Creator for June.

Show More