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.

A HIGH COURT judge yesterday ordered Eircom and two other internet service providers to provide details of subscribers to allow a number of music companies to take legal action against 49 persons they believe are illegally uploading thousands of music tracks to file-sharing networks.