Virgin Media and BPI launch 'warnings' system against illegal file sharers
Virgin Media is the first ISP to get in bed with the BPI, sending out warning letters to anyone downloading 'illegal' copyrighted music over a trial 10-week period. That's according to the Daily Telegraph.
It's not threatening to cut off connections immediately, but it is hoping to 'educate' its customers. Perhaps more worrying is that you'll also have your details passed onto the BPI, who will also throw a letter your way - and that one will threaten disconnection or court action.
What sites will be classed as 'illegal' sites isn't clear - obviously the torrent and P2P sites, but will it include blogs that host music illegally? Will it include the numerous internet radio stations? Who knows - you'll only really know when you get a letter.
Of course, the BPI is entitled to protect its members' investments and we're all for paying for music to support up and coming bands. But the industry could help itself by removing protection from bought downloads, cutting the prices of older download material and generally catching up with the modern world. Taking a few people to court isn't going to deal with the underlying problems that music industry faces in 2008.
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