Vodafone agree to system for tackling music piracy

Vodafone Ireland has become the latest internet service provider to agree a "cease and desist" protocol aimed at tackling music copyright piracy, the Commercial Court has heard.

The graduated response procedure involves cease and desist notices being sent to subscribers who illegally upload/download material before, on the third notice, the name and address of the alleged infringer are supplied by the service provider to the owners of the copyright. Ultimately, this allows copyright owners to seek court orders terminating their internet service if they refuse to desist.