Industry bodies back anti-piracy powers

Creative industry bodies have come out in support of the government's controversial new measures to tackle online copyright piracy.

On Wednesday, the digital economy bill was voted through parliament, including new powers to combat illegal file-sharing.

Under the approach, internet service providers will be expected to cut off the most persistent online copyright pirates as part of a 'three strikes' approach to the problem.

The bill has already faced strong opposition from commercial firms and rights groups, along with six Labour MPs who rebelled against the party-line.

However, the approach is supported by the content industries, including record labels, film studios and distributors, which claim that they are losing out on £400 million a year due to online piracy.

Welcoming the digital economy bill, UK Music chief executive Feargal Sharkey claimed that its anti-piracy measures will provide "firm foundations" for Britain's digital future.

"The UK's music industry has no urge to look backwards and, as we have consistently stressed, legislation is not a means to an end. It is a spur to action," he said.

"We acknowledge that the real work begins now - both in terms of developing a Code of Practice with industry partners and Ofcom, cooperating with internet service providers, and by opening up even more legitimate ways for fans to enjoy the music and creativity that they love.

"As outlined in Liberating Creativity, UK Music's manifesto for the commercial music sector, we have ambitions to be a world leader by 2020. To realise this goal it is clear that we must meet these challenges and proactively embrace our digital future in the weeks, months and years ahead."

Geoff Taylor, chief executive of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), said that the anti-piracy powers will "spur on investment in new music and innovation in legal business models".

He claimed that the approach will result in British bands enjoying greater global success, along with more choice for consumers and jobs for the creative industries.

"These measures will not eliminate all piracy, but they will go a long way towards reducing illegal freeloading and will help to build a more sustainable ecosystem for content on the internet," he said.

"We are acutely aware that music fans are at the heart of our business as it embraces the digital age. Hand-in-hand with the new measures, we will continue to expand the exciting range of legal services that offer vast catalogues of music to stream or download and which reward artists for their work."

Alliance Against IP Theft director general Susie Winter said that the file-sharing powers will "protect creativity, jobs and our economy and ultimately benefit consumers by ensuring they can continue to enjoy an array of entertainment".

Winter claimed that the "fair and proportionate" measures will help guide consumers to the legitimate services available for accessing content.

"We look forward to working with ISPs, Ofcom and consumer groups to ensure the new measures are introduced in a way that is effective and that consumers can understand," she said.

Publishers Association chief executive Simon Juden pointed to the cross-party support for the digital economy bill as showing "just how important these measures are".

He added: "High-quality content needs to be monetised and protected if its production is to be sustainable. As publishers are increasingly investing in the creation and delivery of digital content, so the measures will help to secure that investment."