Illegal downloaders face internet ban in three strikes rule

THE British Government is considering cutting internet access to people who download music and films illegally and it is likely if the move proves successful, similar measures may be introduced here.

The draft consultation green paper produced by British officials and which is expected to be published next week proposes a “three strikes” rule for offenders.

The first strike would see the user receive a warning email, the second strike would lead to suspension of their internet service and the third strike would lead to the termination of their contract.

Internet service providers would be responsible for enforcing the legislation if it comes into force.

The British Government is exploring the introduction of the three strike system in light of figures that show 6 million people per year in Britain are downloading files illegally.

However, the Internet Service Providers Association of Ireland has criticised the move saying any attempt to introduce it here would require a complete change in the existing data protection and privacy laws as it would require people’s internet movements to be tracked.

It said that it should be up to the companies which publish the music or films online to come up with a system of monitoring how the files are shared.

“From a technical perspective this system would be difficult,” said Paul Durrant of the service providers association.

“It would involve the monitoring of telecommunications and that is unfeasible.

“Where would the resources come from? There is practically no way for internet service providers to tell whether material is copyrighted.

“There is this assumption that all peer to peer filesharing is music and films but there is much more than that,” said Mr Durrant.