Ofcom planning 'three strikes' policy to tackle web piracy for 2013

Ofcom is planning to introduce its 'three strikes' policy in 2013 to clamp down on web piracy.

The watchdog will send out warning letters to illegal filesharers from the summer of that year should the plans be approved, TechRadar reports.

Campbell Cowie, director of internet policy with the organisation, said at a Westminster eForum on the Digital Economy Act that the measures remain under judicial review, and could be put back depending on proceedings.

The proposed legislation will see alleged software pirates sent literature outlining the accusations against them. The warning letters will provide advice to those who suspect third-party involvement may be behind any illegal activity detected from their IP address.

Internet service providers (ISPs) will be required to monitor the activities of users suspected to be illegally filesharing, and demonstrate that they can accurately match IP addresses to personal details.

Leading ISPs are opposed to the creation of such legislation. BT and TalkTalk have launched several appeals against the UK government's Digital Economy Act, which will enable Ofcom to introduce its contentious measures.

The French government introduced a 'three strikes' policy in 2010. It is currently debating whether to criminally prosecute up to 60 web users for alleged repeat offences.

Ofcom aims to put its plans into motion next year, regardless of governmental approval.