BPI, UK record industry, to take legal action against file sharers

October 5, 2004

Bad news for file-sharers in
the UK as the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) appears to be planning to take legal actions against
so-called "serial uploaders". According to figures by the BPI, 15% of the
file-sharers in the UK are responsible for 75% of the music available on
file-sharing networks and the BPI has made it clear that they believe the UK has
a problem with the unauthorised sharing of copyrighted music.

In March the BPI first warned file sharers to desist or face the prospect of legal action. It
says that the subsequent campaign to warn people that their activities may
land them in court has been a success.

The record industry is also concerned about the growing number of
broadband Web users.

'Broadband is set too boom over the next couple of years,' Philips
said. 'Now is the time to make it clear that we are prepared to take
action.'

Philips added that the launch of legal downloads services such as
iTunes and Napster gave no-one an excuse to continue downloading music
from unauthorised sources.

'We believe legal services are a lot better,' said
Philips.

I think there is something very wrong with that last
quote, "We believe legal services are a lot better". Of course the BPI
believes that. But, they should investigate if the people online, who are the
ones that actually have to buy the music, believe online stores are better. If
they do not think this online music stores will never be successful. What do you
think? Feel free to share your thoughts below. Our thanks goes to GristyMcFisty for reporting
this news to us.

Source: PC Pro