Virgin to identify pirates with BPI

Virgin Media is working with the music industry to identify broadband users who appear to be sharing music illegally.

They will be sent "informative letters" on how to "safely download music from the internet and avoid the risk of legal action" from both the ISP and the BPI, the industry association.

"The BPI and Virgin Media believe that, in many cases, customers may not be aware that their account is being used in this way," said a statement today.

"Accounts will be identified by Virgin on the basis of information supplied by the BPI. Both letters will be distributed by Virgin, without the need to disclose customer names and addresses to the BPI."

The BPI, recently lent support by the government, wants service providers to take action against music piracy, but many of them have opposed the idea. The agreement with Virgin is the first of its kind in the UK.

BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor said: "Education is absolutely key to reducing the extent of illegal downloading, and we are pleased to be working with Virgin Media on this campaign.

"We believe that new partnerships with ISPs can help build an internet in which music is properly valued... This joint campaign with Virgin Media is the first step towards achieving that goal."

The government has threatened to legislate to make ISPs responsible for their users' downloading material illegally if voluntary solutions are not found.