Anti-File Sharing Procedures Begin
According to BPI statistical studies, over 6.5 million consumers persistently transfer copyrighted media, performing as both senders and receivers. With this information in mind, it is no wonder as to why the BPI is forcing operators to caution subscription holders of prosecution. With such a bearing on their heads, many operators responded with an immediate communication with such users.
Virgin Media, one of the major operators in the broadband UK industry, warned customers by dispatching loads of warning letters. These letters informed customers that they should immediately cease illegal transfers, threatening them with legal prosecution.
Virgin media described this series of mailings as an educational campaign, running in association with the Britain Phonographic Industry. Despite their efforts to educate consumers, Virgin Media has made major mistake in their method of communication with consumers. Appearing on the front of envelopes were stickers, red labels which declare that failure to open mail would result in disconnection. This is not the first of Virgin Media’s mistakes in mail communication. Earlier this year, Virgin media became engrossed in an illicit advertising matter when they sent out advertisements with bullet holes.
In accordance with BPI, BT and Tiscali also proceeded to dispatch warning letters to customers which were believed to employ file-sharing systems. As of now, providers are compelled to develop anti-file sharing procedures. If operators and their clients refuse to comply, legal action will be taken against them directly.
