BPI PRESS RELEASE | BPI welcomes move by France to cut off web pirates : 23:11:2007

Commenting on proposals by the French government made today, BPI Chief Executive, Geoff Taylor said:

"The French Government has recognised that the talent and investment of artists and innovators must be properly valued on the internet if the digital economy is to achieve its potential.

“The UK Government has said that if an industry-wide agreement cannot be reached, it will take statutory action to require ISPs to recognise their responsibility to warn customers about IP theft and, if necessary, suspend or terminate their accounts.

“The BPI has been seeking to persuade ISPs for more than a year that they should implement such procedures but progress has been limited. 

“We will continue to pursue voluntary arrangements, but unless these are achieved very soon we believe that the UK Government must act, as the French government has, to ensure that the urgent problem of internet piracy is tackled effectively.”