The BPI (British Phonographic Industry), the association of UK record companies has signed a deal (MOU) with the six largest internet service providers of the UK and the UK government to prevent illegal filesharing that takes places among the internet users. The Motion Pictures Association of America and BERR have also joined hands with the BPI to reach the historical agreement with the broadband providers.

According to the MOU, the ISPs will have to comply with the demands made by music and other rightsholders so that all the signatories will work together to reduce illegal filesharing on the internet. During the first year of implementing the new regulations, the broadband customers who are identified as sharing files illegally will receive informative letters from their ISPs while other while effective mechanisms to deal with repeat offenders will be implemented gradually.

BPI Chief Executive Geoff Taylor has commented:

“BPI has always believed that a partnership approach is the best way forward, as we showed with our education campaign with Virgin Media, launched in May. This has demonstrated that ISPs and the music business can work together positively to raise awareness about illegal filesharing. And, working with government, we have been able to build on that progress and encourage other major ISPs to start taking a responsible approach.

“In addition, the music business is constantly innovating to offer new, safe and legal ways to enjoy music online, and to create a future for digital music where creativity and copyright are respected. This MOU will help to create an environment in which such new digital services models can flourish.”