Several record company giants have failed in their High Court bid to force UPC to block illegal internet downloading.

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.

EIRCOM is to implement several measures aimed at stopping the use of its internet services for illegal free downloading of music as part of an “amicable” settlement of a court action brought against it by four major record companies.

Around 50 individuals and companies who illegally uploaded music tracks from the web will be hit with legal action, the Irish Recorded Music Association said today.

Irish driver, Keith Dempsey won the seventh round of the British Formula Renault Championship at Snetterton.