Various measures against online piracy have been adopted by a number of countries, including the United Kingdom (which has its DEA) and France (HADOPI). Generally, their regulations stipulate tempering with an infringer’s account up to total disconnection. Copyright owners, however, offer another solution: financial penalties.
Ofcom’s Initial Obligations Code says that ISPs have to send out notifications to Internet accounts alleged of conducting unauthorized activities. In addition, repeat offenders might face the full extent of the law, because broadband providers can send their personal details to copyright owners. In addition, ISPs could also temper with infringers’ connection speeds or disconnect them from the web. This drastic measure could be introduced if notifications appear inefficient in fighting Internet piracy.

French HADOPI, also referred to as the “three-strikes” system, is quite similar to the British Digital Economy Act. However, French activists have been against this anti-piracy legislation since the beginning, and claimed that disconnection from the web constitutes a brutal display of power. In response, copyright owners have come up with a different approach. Media reports reveal that outfits like the Union of Independent Phonographic Producers and SACEM (both of this groups support the country’s music industry) have come up with the suggestion that the ultimate measure (disconnection from the web) should be replaced with a fine of 140 euros. Music labels, including Warner Music, were fond of the idea, claiming that there hadn’t been a lot of repression. They come with a logical explanation of the idea, saying that the main part of their mission has failed. If the public and the industry agree that downloading is against the law, it must be punished, and it is nothing new. That’s why Thierry Chassagne, Warner Music’s president, believes that a system of fines would be more proportionate and efficient in the fight against illegal distribution of the copyrighted works. Actually, it may come true, as the proposal is currently being scrutinized by France’s politicians.