ISP refuses to ban downloaders

Internet service provider Carphone Warehouse has rejected music industry proposals to crack down on web users who illegally download music.

The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) has been looking to implement a "three strikes" rule for users who are caught downloading music. The downloaders' connection would be cut if they persisted after a second warning.

Carphone Warehouse Chief Executive Charles Dunstone said: "I cannot foresee any circumstances in which we would voluntarily disconnect a customer's account on the basis of a third party alleging a wrongdoing. We believe that a fundamental part of our role as an ISP is to protect the rights of our users to use the internet as they choose."

The BPI responded by saying that they didn't intend to force ISPs into becoming "internet police".

"No successful partnership can be established with ISPs who refuse to do anything to address the problem of illegal downloading on their networks," a BPI spokesman said.