IFPI preparing to sue portuguese illegal music downloaders

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) president, John Kennedy, said 'The Portuguese that thieve music from the internet will face fines up to five thousand euros", and start sending letters today to the people targeted by what he referred as their fifth wave of action.Mr. Kennedy informed that this kind of actions covered 18 countries so far, with legal actions against 25000 people worldwide (5000 in Europe), and about 1000 settled before trial, paying amounts around 2500/3000 euros. According to a 3 page interview to Publica, a supplement of Sunday's newspaper Publico edition, IFPI is facing a real battle to save the Portuguese music (!), and Mr. Kennedy considers that after some education and information campaigns, their surveys shown there is an awareness level that justifies this move to discourage people, that now realize to be 'in the line of fire" and risk to pay money that otherwise could be spent for 'vacations, cars, education or even to buy a new kitchen". According to some news, IFPI will use 'undercover" people that will act in the net offering music and registering to P2P, to collect evidence to sue the 'pirates".

Full portuguese article here.