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Warning letters alone won't deter online pirates

Just one in three UK computer users would be encouraged to stop illegally downloading files by being sent a warning letter from their internet service provider (ISP), it has been revealed.

With growing numbers of users placing themselves at risk of both contracting computer viruses as well as being prosecuted for breach of copyright law, a study carried out for the media law firm Wiggin found that only by threatening to take away their connection would people be persuaded to stop the illegal practice.

Indeed, 80 per cent of the 1,500 users polled said that they would think twice about downloading files illegally if they were informed that they would have their broadband taken away from them with immediate effect.

"A letter would not be enough," explained Alexander Ross, partner in the media and technology group at Wiggin.

"It does take an ultimate sanction."

However, the UK Intellectual Property minister recently confirmed that the government has no plans to force ISPs to pursue illegal file sharers, despite the fact that a number of other European countries have announced a range of measures designed to clamp down hard on the practice.

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