Film industry advocates speed humps to tackle piracy

The UK film industry is calling for restrictions on broadband speeds to help tackle online piracy.

Online speed humps should be introduced to help tackle the problem of internet piracy, according to the lobby group Respect For Film.

The organisation, which is backed by Federation Against Copyright Theft and the British Video Association, said that restricting access to higher speeds for illegal downloaders would discourage such activity.

It has also advocated the use of pop-up warnings on file-sharing websites that would warn web users that they are about to break the law.

Lavina Carey, chair of Respect For Film, said speed limitations that make it difficult to download copyrighted material would be preferable to taking legal action against online pirates.

Indeed, with an estimated seven million UK consumers using file-sharing networks to obtain music, films and video games for free, according to the Strategic Advisory Board for Intellectual Property (SABIP) pursuing individuals though the courts would be an unworkable solution.

As an alternative, internet service providers (ISPs) should introduce technical measures that would shut down sites where file-sharing is taking place and limit speeds for those visiting them.

"We see the use of technological measures as similar to creating road humps - they will make potential copyright infringers pause and think twice," said Ms Carey.

However, she insisted the speed limits would not prevent people from shopping online, using internet banking or surfing the web for legitimate purposes.

According to the SABIP report, the increased availability of superfast broadband connections is likely to exacerbate the intellectual property issue, as consumers will be able to download music tracks in seconds and films in minutes.