In brief...: ISPs warned on illegal use

Feb 29 2008

The uk Government has warned internet service providers that it will pass laws to stop illegal downloads of music and films unless a voluntary solution can be reached.

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said the move was a "clear signal" of the Government's intent to tackle online piracy, which the music and film industries blame for a slump in CDand DVD sales.

Mr Burnham was speaking before the launch of a creative industries strategy paper that commits the Government to take action to protect intellectual property including legislation on illegal file sharing "by 2009".

Mr Burnham said: " This is a change of tone from the Government."