Like laws under discussion in France, the could also punish those who repeatedly engage in illegal downloading by blocking internet connections.

Under proposed French laws, persistent pirates could be faced with a "three strike" policy, cutting net access to those who illegally download films and from the internet.

The film and music industries and ISPs were supposed to reach agreement on how to legislate file-sharing by the end of 2007 - but this deadline has now passed and the government may legislate instead.

Under proposals, pirates would be warned via messages and could see their access removed or suspended if warnings go unheeded.

ISPs would of course prefer a voluntary arrangement, but entertainment bodies are demanding new laws or blocking of copyrighted content via filters.

"It is simply not acceptable for ISPs to turn a blind eye to the on their networks which is at such a rate that there are 20 illegal music downloads for every track sold," said John Kennedy, head of trade body, the IFPI.

"Record companies have licensed more than six million tracks to over 500 legal services and consumers can now legitimately get access to music in a wide variety of ways.

"If the French and British governments take and others follow, there will be more room for the legal market to grow as services will not have to compete with the `something for nothing' deal available on the illegal networks that do not invest a penny in generating new music."

The games industry will no doubt also be following this move with some interest, given the levels of game piracy also present online.

This news is taken from our sister site tech.tm.

By Luke Guttridge