Government Plans Music Piracy Policy

The Government have announced plans to plan to end music piracy.

The Culture Secretary, Andy Burnham, has set a deadline of April 2009 for internet service providers (ISPs) to prove they are trying to end illegal downloading.

However, Burnham has not said how they should do this, how their efforts will be measured, what punishments will be given if they fail, or anything really. 

Apparently, the move is a “clear signal” that the Government is serious about tackling illegal downloading. 

“Let me make this absolutely clear,” said Burnham, in an utterly ambiguous statement. “This is a change of tone from the Government. It’s definitely serious legislative intent.”

An estimated six million people download files illegally in the UK each year, costing the music and film industries billions of pounds.

To combat this, Burnham claims, with typical vagueness: "We're saying we'll consult on legislation, recognising there are practical questions and legitimate issues.

“We’re not saying ‘Here’s one we made earlier, here’s a bill’,” he added, defying anybody who favours a Blue Peter style of Government. Glad that’s all cleared up then.