BT threatens to oust P2Pers

UK's largest broadband provider, British Telecoms, has started sending out warnings to users caught using peer-to-peer (P2P) networks to download music illegally. According to a BT broadband customer who received one such warning, the email contains alleged evidence that has been collected by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). Working with the ISP is a relatively new track employed by the record industry to curb piracy, which is probably a better idea than trying to sue dead grannies, like RIAA unwittingly found itself doing.

In this instance, no customer information is divulged, as BPI investigators simply furnish details such as the user agent, timestamp, filename and an IP number to the ISP of the offender. Assuming a working arrangement with the ISP, the ISP will identify and communicate the warning directly to the alleged offender. It remains to be seen if such an approach will catch on elsewhere.

For more information on this report:
- check out this The Register article