Hits by One Direction and Taylor Swift were not enough to prevent losses at the Irish arm of music giant Sony more than doubling last year.

Four music companies are challenging the Data Protection Commissioner’s order to stop them unwinding their “three strikes and you’re out” agreement with Eircom aimed at combating the illegal downloading of music.

FIVE major record companies have taken legal action against an internet service provider here in a further bid to stop illegal downloading of music which they estimate costs them and performers almost €20 million a year.