25 February 2008
The UK government want Internet Service Providers (ISPs) obligated to stop illegal file sharing on their networks by 2009. The announcement marks one of the most aggressive stances yet in Europe to counter Internet piracy.
The warnings came in a report released Friday from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which looks at how the UK's creative industries can be better supported.
Until the required law is in place the government said it will look at "statutory solutions" as well as tougher penalties for copyright infringement.
In the UK, ISPs have been in voluntary discussions with copyright holders on ways to combat file sharing on P2P (peer-to-peer) networks but so far have not reached an agreement.
If no agreement is reached, 'the government will equip itself to introduce legislation swiftly if suitable arrangements between ISPs and relevant sectors are not forthcoming or prove insufficient,' the report said.
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