Big media propose a scheme to block 'pirate' websites

THE BIG MEDIA CARTELS are proposing a scheme that will encourage broadband providers to block websites that they claim facilitate illegal filesharing of music tracks, films and other content.

They are suggesting the proposal as a way for the content industry to develop so-called 'anti-piracy' initiatives that will be implemented at a faster pace than existing laws, according to anonymous sources close to the Financial Times.

Copyright holders, including groups like BPI and MPA, have been told to come up with proposals for the scheme after communications minister Ed Vaizey held discussions with them and a number of Internet service providers (ISPs) including BT, Talktalk, Google and Yahoo last week.

The scheme will be voluntary, but already broadband providers have expressed concerns over costs, technical feasibility, legal liabilities, customer acceptance, and the role of small Internet service providers, who are not subject to current three strikes rules put forward by the Government's Digital Economy Act.

BT and Talktalk have already opposed the Act and have taken matter to court, but their case has so far been dismissed. It seems unlikely, however, that these two companies will voluntarily sign up for an 'anti-piracy' scheme, given their distaste for similar proposals, which means the efforts are likely to be in vain.

An independent body to assess and name 'pirate' websites is one suggestion that is gaining some popularity, but what exactly constitutes a website advocating illegal filesharing has yet to be decided. This is likely to be a sticking point for many of the parties involved. µ