BPI: illegal music downloads top a billion
The BPI calls on the government to step up its efforts to curb rampant online piracy as more than a billion songs are downloaded this year.
Three-quarters of all songs downloaded in 2010 were done so illegally, according to new figures from the BPI, which represents UK record labels.
Geoff Taylor, chief executive of BPI, said urgent action is needed to protect artists, and jobs in the industry that rely on record sales.
“2011 must be the year that the government acts decisively to ensure the internet supports creativity and respects the basic rules of fair play we embrace as a nation,” he said.
“2011 must be the year that the government acts decisively to ensure the internet supports creativity and respects the basic rules of fair play we embrace as a nation.” Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive BPI
The Digital Economy Act, which was passed in June but has yet to be enforced, has attracted considerable controversy over its proposals which include the suspension of offending downloaders’ internet connections.
The Act has been denounced by BT and TalkTalk for infringing on internet users’ rights. The two broadband providers have secured a Judicial Review hearing in March.
TalkTalk maintains that the Act was rushed through parliament during the ‘wash-up’ period (the last few days before the dissolution of parliament).
Looking ahead to the court hearing in March, TalkTalk said: “The provisions to try to reduce illegal file sharing are unfair, won’t work and will potentially result in millions of innocent customers who have broken no law suffering and having their privacy invaded.”
“The provisions to try to reduce illegal file sharing are unfair, won’t work and will potentially result in millions of innocent customers who have broken no law suffering and having their privacy invaded.” Talk Talk spokesman
A BT spokesman told Channel 4 News: “Our view is that breach of copyright is entirely wrong but action against those who access or share music and other material unlawfully need to follow due process and be proportionate.”
Ofcom has been asked to come up with a code of practice, which is due early next year. The government will then have to submit if to the European courts for approval.
Virgin Media has refused to enter the legal fray. A spokesman for Virgin told Channel 4 News: “There is no doubt the Digital Economy Act is flawed and TalkTalk are right to challenge it. But the problem with a judicial review is that both sides are digging their heels in.
“All we’ve done is move backwards. The industry is stuck in an analogue world.”
Virgin Media struck a deal with music giant Universal last year to launch the first unlimited download subscription service – but it has yet to convince any other music companies to join it.
“Cutting people’s internet access off is regressive,” Virgin told Channel 4 News. “Connectivity is a good thing – there are many good things the internet can do for people.”