MPAA studios take actions against major P2P server operators to stem global movie piracy

Hundreds of BitTorrent, eDonkey and DirectConnect Servers Targeted Worldwide

IFPI Chairman and CEO, Jay Berman, said:

"People involved in running unauthorized peer-to-peer services are hurting the music business, film producers, legitimate online entrepreneurs and anyone else who relies on copyright for their livelihood. Targeting peer-to-peer servers , which act as distribution depots for illegal material, is another way of containing the abuse of peer-to-peer technology by people intent on mass copyright theft. IFPI welcomes the action by the film industry against eDonkey, DirectConnect and BitTorrent server sites , and we are cooperating closely with the MPA to remove them."

Background for Editors

The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. today announced that its member companies have filed suit against individuals operating servers that index millions of illegal copies of movies and TV programs used on computer networks such as BitTorrent. The MPAA and its members also are working closely with law enforcement and civil authorities around the world to shut down illegal servers on eDonkey and DirectConnect networks.

CONTACT:
MPAA / Washington DC
Rich Taylor
+1 (202) 293-1966

CONTACT UK:
IFPI Communications
Adrian Strain
Julie Harari

Pro-Music Contact
Fiona Harley

IFPI Communications
54 Regent Street
London W1B 5RE
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7878 7900
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7878 7950