British file-sharers beware - Virgin Media & BPI following RIAA blueprint
By Dave Parrack
People who partake in illegal file-sharing in the US have been targeted by ISPs, and the RIAA for a few years now, but British citizens have so far avoided the same levels of copyright control, until now.
Last week saw the first arrests against British file-sharers made as six members of the already closed OiNK community were charged with “Conspiracy to defraud the music industry” after being accused of downloading albums through the service before they were released through proper channels.
Now, the long expected first ISP-lead attack against British file-sharers is going to start next week, with a joint effort by the BPI (British Phonographic Industry), the British equivalent of the RIAA and Virgin Media, one of the biggest Internet service providers in the UK, whose Chief Executive Neil Berkett famously described Net Neutrality as “a load of bollocks”.
The action is actually going to be less harsh than was first expected. Earlier this year, when the plans were being discussed, it seemed that the ISPs would have to abide by a strict ‘three strikes and you’re out’ policy, but in actual fact, all that will happen is the delivery of two warning letters to those suspected of sharing copyrighted material over the ISP’s network.
According to Torrent Freak, one letter will be from Virgin Media, and the other will be from the BPI, both containing friendly educational advice, and warning that continued breaking of the law could result in the user being disconnected, and even legal action being taken.
At this point however it seems that Virgin media are refusing to actively disconnect users from the Internet, prompted no doubt by the fact that the plans proved deeply unpopular when first discussed.
BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor said:
“Virgin Media is the first ISP to publicly address the problem. It is a socially responsible ISP and I think other ISPs will look at this and see progress. I am very encouraged they have engaged with us. They understand the rights of musicians.”
At this point there seems to be a lot of ifs and buts surrounding the plans. My take on it would be that this 10 week experimental trial is exactly that: Virgin Media and the BPI are trying something out to see what the public response is, and how successful this so called educational campaign is.
If this sends the right message, and file-sharing drops on Virgin Media, then expect a whole host of other ISPs to also implement similar schemes. The law is certainly tightening up in the UK, and I fear that this may be the first step on a slippery slope that could lead to RIAA-style bully tactics such as many have experienced in America.
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