Eircom targets illegal music downloads

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.

As part of the settlement, the record companies will supply Eircom with the internet protocol (IP) addresses of all persons who they detect illegally uploading or downloading copyright works while Eircom has agreed measures that include disconnecting subscribers who ignore warnings to cease such infringement.

Welcoming the settlement yesterday, Willie Kavanagh, chairman of EMI Records and of the Irish Recorded Music Association, said he was happy with the outcome and expected other internet service providers to follow Eircom’s example. Eircom also expressed satisfaction with the outcome.