Internet providers to block download website

Four major music firms have secured orders requiring six internet service providers to block access by subscribers to Pirate Bay websites within 30 days in a bid to prevent illegal downloading of copyright music and other material.

About 200,000 Irish internet users access Pirate Bay sites monthly and illegal file-sharing is devastating sales of music, film, and TV with serious consequences for artists, record companies, retailers, and employment, the High Court was told.

EMI, Sony, Warner Music, and Universal, alleged the Pirate Bay activities are causing them €20m losses annually and sought the orders urgently against UPC, Imagine, Vodafone, Digiweb, Hutchison 3G Ltd, and Telefonica O2 Ireland Ltd.