BPI unhappy with law firm chasing illegal file-sharers

31.01.2010
The has slammed for the way it has .

revealed this week that law firms had been sending out letters on behalf of copyright holders to UK web users, claiming they have participated in illegal file-sharing and ordering them to pay £500 and sign a legal undertaking agreeing not to re-offend in the future.

Adam Liversage from the BPI, told the : "We don't favour the approach taken by ACS:Law to tackle illegal file-sharing".

"Our view is that legal action is best reserved for the most persistent or serious offenders - rather than widely used as a first response."

The letters are being issued even though the , which sets out measures by the government to tackle internet piracy, has not come into force in the UK yet.

The measures suggest a 'three strikes' rule under which potential offenders will receive warning letters and emails designed to educate them on their wrong-doing. Should they continue to offend, web users will then face disconnection from the web.