Illegal music downloaders sent warning letters

Virgin Media is writing to hundreds of customers warning them about illegal file sharing.

In a campaign run with the record industry body, the BPI, some 800 letters were sent to customers warning them not to download music illegally.

The BPI wants those who continue to ignore warnings to have their internet switched off – in a 'three strikes, you're out' policy.

A spokesperson for Virgin Media explained IP addresses of those sharing files were identified by the BPI and Virgin is now writing to those customers.

However no information is being shared with the BPI.

Virgin Media is also maintaining it is not planning to cut off people's broadband at this stage, but is educating customers.

"There is an education gap about illegal downloading," a spokesperson said.

She explained many people did not realise the effect of downloading music illegally had on the music industry.

She also added those being sent letters may not realise they downloading illegally as their internet connections may be used by others.

The letters highlights the time of a particular suspect download and what it was downloaded.

It states: "As we’re sure you’ll know, many files that can be saved on your computer (like music and videos) are protected by copyright.

"While it may be okay to store them for personal use, it’s unlawful to download or share them without the permission of the copyright owner – for example, the record company or film studio that released them. Otherwise it’s a ‘copyright infringement’, which can lead to legal action being taken against the person responsible."

A second letter from Geoff Taylor, chief executive of the BPI, to downloaders states: "We have information that someone – and it may not be you – is using your Virgin Media internet account to access music illegally. However it happened, it is illegal. We therefore need you to take steps to stop it from happening again.

"You should know that if you don’t do this and the problem happens again, then you could face legal action."