Watchdog warns students over swapping music files

PUPILS who plan to while away the school holidays swapping songs over the internet could get a lesson in the law following a warning that music rights watchdogs will have their eye on them.

IRMA, the Irish Recorded Music Industry Association, is monitoring internet activity for illegal file exchanges, and says it will pursue individuals who cost performers a fortune in legitimate record sales.

Association boss, Dick Doyle, said there were noticeable surge and slowdowns in illegal activity, and the summer season was prime time for idle browsers.