While music fans and those in the UK keen on downloading music received some good news with the announcement that Apple will cut the cost of music downloads on iTunes, some bad news regarding filesharing popped up this week.
The government is, apparently, gearing up to target illegal filesharers in the UK. This means that people using programs like Limewire and Omemo could soon find themselves in hot water if they are sharing copyrighted material.
Laws forcing ISPs to disconnect illegal filesharer are currently being drafted. If ISPs can’t work something out with the music and movie industries, legislation will be put forward to get the ISPs to comply. The UK government is pretty strong in its views about the evils of filesharing. The feeling in the government is that illegal filesharing damages the economy.
The new legislation would only cut illegal filesharers off from the Internet. There is on mention of criminal prosecution in the proposed law.
In France, similar legislation against filesharing is being drawn up. Three repeat offenses will see filesharers cut off from the Internet.
Is it the beginning of the end for filesharing in the UK? Those who download music may have to start watching their backs.