UK Government to push for ISP cooperation

London, 12th February 2008

The international recording industry today welcomed the news that the UK government plans to ensure that ISPs play a far bigger role in combating online music piracy.

The move is a boost for the campaign for ISPs to cooperate with the music and film industries to protect creative content. It follows the Olivennes Agreement of late 2007, when French President Sarkozy worked with ISPs and the recording industry on a plan that will lead to the disconnection of persistent copyright infringers.

Last year also saw the SABAM v Tiscali case in Belgium, when a court ruled that it was feasible and reasonable for the ISP to take measures to prevent illegal file-sharing on peer-to-peer networks.

John Kennedy, Chairman and Chief Executive of IFPI, says: “The tide of opinion is flowing in favour of ISP responsibility. News of the UK government’s proposed consultation paper is very welcome and we hope for swift action from ISPs to disconnect persistent serious copyright infringers.

“The UK joins France in providing international leadership on this issue. ISP cooperation has been the top priority for the recording industry for the last three years. ISPs are the gatekeepers of the internet and it is feasible and reasonable for them to take steps against widespread copyright infringement.”

IFPI’s recent Digital Music Report highlighted the drag that mass copyright infringement is having on the growth of the digital music sector. It is estimated that worldwide there are 20 illegal music downloads for each legitimate track sold.

At the recent Midem music conference Paul McGuinness, the manager of U2, made a powerful speech calling for the telecommunications industry to partner with the creative sector rather than build a business based on copyright abuse.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Link to original press article ('Internet users could be banned over illegal downloads', The Times, 12th February 2008): http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article3353387.ece

About IFPI

IFPI is the organisation that promotes the interests of the international recording industry worldwide. Its membership comprises some 1,400 major and independent companies in more than 75 countries. It also has affiliated industry national groups in 49 countries. IFPI’s mission is to promote the value of recorded music, safeguard the rights of record producers and expand the commercial uses of recorded music in all markets where its members operate.

Music Industry quotes on ISP cooperation

“The internet must not become a high-tech Wild West, a lawless zone where outlaws can pillage works with abandon or, worse, trade in them in total impunity."
Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France

“I think the failure of ISPs to engage in the fight against piracy, to date, has been the single biggest failure in the digital music market.”
Paul McGuinness, Manager, U2

"The fact is that in a commercial culture that doesn't protect intellectual property, today's violator is tomorrow's victim. There are no long-term winners from growing intellectual property theft."
Peter Mandelson, EU Trade Commissioner

"Piracy has been able to flourish in an unregulated environment, with unauthorized content circulating abundantly on networks. Governments now need to wake up, follow the leadership of the French President, properly protect the creative work of artists and address copyright infringement. ISPs have a unique role to play in the fight against intellectual property theft. Working in partnership with creators, government and consumers, ISPs can help provide valuable solutions to piracy while at the same time spurring the digital future. The future of the creative industries depends on it."
Jean-Francois Cecillon, President, EMI Music International Labels

“It’s absolutely vital that ISPs are responsible partners with copyright owners and help to ensure their rights are protected. Mass copyright infringement is harmful to the creative community, content companies and retailers, and that should be a grave concern to ISPs, for whom music and music services create immense value. Anyone who wants to preserve the rich and diverse flow of music that we enjoy today should be committed to doing all they can to ensure artists and composers are compensated for their work.”
Patrick Vien, Chairman and CEO, Warner Music International

“A turning tide of opinion is one thing – a concrete programme of action is another. There is only one acceptable moment for ISPs to start taking responsibility for protecting content – and that moment is now. After years of prevarication in the discussion, the French government’s decision to seize the day is deeply refreshing. It shows an urgency of approach that is badly needed in every market where music is today being massively devalued by piracy.”
John Kennedy, Chairman and CEO, IFPI

“Copyright law protects all copyright holders, big or small. It’s a corner stone of modern civilized society. People should stop attacking it - it's there for the protection of all of us, writers, producers, musicians, playwrights etc. big and small.”
Anthony Hall, Pure Mint Recordings, UK independent label

"ISPs are the gatekeepers of the internet - they have the technical means and the moral responsibility to play an important role in protecting copyrighted content on their networks and to ensure that performers receive fair remuneration for the sale and use of their work on those networks."
John F. Smith, President, International Federation of Musicians (FIM)

Music has gained many new fans across the world due to the internet but the internet has also created a culture of music without reward. Our challenge now is to work with Government, ISP’s and other suppliers of content to ensure that everyone wins – the fans, the artists and the companies who invest in music.”
Alison Wenham, President, Worldwide Independent Network (WIN)

“As the new home of music ISPs need to join the fight to protect the creative industries, from which they profit. ISPs have it in their power to prevent widespread unauthorised downloading. Withdrawing access to the ISP for these users would be the single biggest tool in creating a vibrant and legitimate online music market.”
Kim Bayley, Director, GERA, Representing entertainment retailers worldwide

“ISPs are a major beneficiary of music – and they must therefore ensure that the creators of music are given their due. A business model which is built on mass copyright infringement is a business model without a future. We invite ISPs to assume their responsibilities and to work with the creative industries to achieve truly sustainable business models. By working together, we can ensure that a thriving digital world is a tangible reality rather than a mere dream.”
Eric Baptiste, Director General, CISAC (International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers)

“Illegal peer-to-peer filesharing has been a tool to accelerate and finance the roll out of broadband in Europe, and it has had a debilitating effect on the cultural industries. By failing to protect the interests of creators, public authorities and legitimate digital delivery, operators are putting at risk the economy of culture and creative industries."
Kim Magnusson, Chairman EFCA Representing European Film Companies, and General Manager of film production at Nordisk Film

"Protecting intellectual property rights is essential to the health of the economy. We at the MPA have been working with Internet service providers on this issue both in the U.S. and abroad. The future is bright and holds boundless opportunities for consumers the world over, but we must all work together to make that promise a reality."
Dan Glickman, Chairman and CEO, the Motion Picture Association