However, the letters that have been received so far appear to be less about educating web users and more about issuing a penalty.

The BPI also revealed it will not employ the same approach as ACS: Law when internet piracy measures come into force.

Meanwhile, Michael Coyle - a lawyer representing around 100 Brits that have received letters from law firm - told the he was concerned about the number of web users accused of illegally file-sharing and called for the Information Commissioner to investigate the matter.

"I suspect that many hundreds of people have been innocently accused of copyright infringement and the accusations continue without any organisation being prepared to intervene," he said.

"Ideally the Information Commissioner ought to intervene and seek to prevent the courts releasing the personal data of thousands of individuals."