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The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) is following in the footsteps of its American counterparts by clamping down on illegal music file sharing. They will begin by messaging abusers of the legal penalties they could face.
The main targets of the campaign, which has been welcomed across the British press, will be serial uploaders. The BPI said: “Such actions damage everyone involved in creating and investing in music.” Unlike American measures, any legal action will be civil rather than criminal, meaning that prison is not an option.
It is hoped that these scare tactics will eradicate the need for much further action. Speaking today, a spokesman commented: "We have to take the message to the public that unauthorised downloading is illegal. It is not a victimless crime.” It comes amid new research showing illegal downloading is on the rise. “These people are stealing the future of the British music industry and they have been warned," he added.
DiScuss: Will pop-up ads telling people ‘NO!’ have any affect? Do you use any of the pay-per-file services?
