No net disconnection for filesharers

Filesharers will have their internet access throttled rather than cut off for repeated violations of copyright law, it has emerged.

Outgoing Culture Secretary Andy Burnham has suggested that Oftel's upcoming Digital Britain report due for publication on June 16 will not recommend removing internet access from those who have been caught illegally filesharing.

Speaking at Music Week's Making Online Music Pay conference, he said: "The idea is for measures to be applied against individuals who are serial infringers."

A Department of Culture, Media and Sport spokesman said: "The Digital Britain report coming out soon will build on last year's Memorandum of Understanding between content holders and ISPs to tackle illegal file sharing."

"What Mr Burnham also said was there was the likelihood that the MoU would be backed up by new powers for Ofcom to impose technical solutions for repeat offenders if that process of sending out letters was not effective enough."

Industry voices have suggested that these technical solutions could include speed throttling or download limits.

Burnham was replaced as Culture Secretary by Ben Bradshaw in Gordon Brown's recent cabinet reshuffle.