Cowell urges government to act on piracy

Simon Cowell is part of a group seeking tougher anti-piracy laws in the UK.

The American Idol boss, filmmaker Paul Greengrass and Working Title Films co-chair Tim Bevan have urged the British parliament to implement a "three strikes" rule to stop illegal downloaders, says The Hollywood Reporter.

The group signed a letter addressed to MPs imploring the government to take a hard-line stance against illegal downloading and to support the digital economy bill.

"Digital entertainment services are really beginning to take off," the letter says. "But for these new business models to develop, it is critical that more is done to prevent the illegal services providing easy access to free content."

Internet service providers, including Virgin Media and Carphone Warehouse, have fought the proposal and have been reluctant to cut off subscribers who download illegally.

Author Terry Pratchett and Spooks creator Stephen Garrett also signed the letter.