ISPA hit back over file-sharing
The Internet Service Providers' Association (ISPA) has warned the government that forcing ISPs to control online music and film piracy and file-sharing would result "in cumbersome regulation".
The government has said it would prefer ISPs to regulate the situation voluntarily but has suggested it may apply legislation if an agreement cannot be reached.
An ISPA spokesman alluded to previous experiences of such legislation and suggested it would not be the best option due to numerous obstacles.
"It is ISPA's preference to agree a non-legislative solution which carefully considers the complex legal framework -- as recognised by the Culture Secretary -- in which ISPs operate," he said.
"These limitations are balanced against past experience of legislation in this area which can result in cumbersome regulation and may not offer an optimal solution."
Virgin Media recently sent out letters to households where music is being illegally downloaded or shared, becoming the first ISP to voluntarily address the problem.
Recent research commissioned by the music industry body British Phonographic Industry showed 6.5 million people in the UK engaged in online music 'piracy' in 2007.
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