Hollywood studios ban BT broadband users from illegally downloading blockbuster films

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A landmark court ruling yesterday cleared the way for a crackdown on websites peddling pirated films.In a High Court case brought by Hollywood studios, BT was ordered to prevent its 5.8million broadband subscribers from visiting the Newzbin2 website.Newzbin2, based in Sweden and registered in the Seychelles, charges its 700,000 users a small fee for links to download illegal copies of hundreds of thousands of films, including blockbusters such as the Harry Potter series and The Kings Speech.

Pinched: The website Newzbin2 allows users access to the latest Hollywood blockbusters like The King's Speech starring Geoffrey Rush, Colin Firth and Helena Bonham CarterIt is believed the studios targeted BT because it is the countrys largest internet service provider, but yesterdays judgment sets a legal precedent that will make it easier for them to force other ISPs, such as Sky, Virgin and Talk Talk, to block Newzbin2.

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While there are numerous other websites offering links to illegal downloads, Newzbin2 infuriates film-studio bosses because it is one of the few that makes a profit 360,000 last year.The entertainment industry, which loses billions to piracy, is hoping yesterdays judgment will mark the beginning of the end for illegal download sites, but consumer groups believe this is unlikely until companies make it easier to buy their products online.The Motion Picture Association of America, which represents Hollywood studios including 20th Century Fox, Paramount and Disney, ! told the court it wanted BT to block Newzbin2with the same system that stops access to sites hosting child sex abuseimages.

Mr Justice Arnold said yesterday: I will make an order substantially in the form sought by the studios. The precise form is to be outlined in October. After the ruling, BT said: This is a helpful judgment, which provides clarity on this complex issue. The action was supported by British book and record publishers. It is believed to be the first in Britain aimed at forcing an ISP to block a website under the 1988 Copyright, Designs and Patents Act.Lord Puttnam, president of the Film Distributors Association, hailed the judgment as an important victory in the battle against a commercial pirate site which refused to operate within the law.

As if by magic: The off-shore website allows film fans to see the latest blockbusters like the last instalment of Harry Potter for a small price He said: Finally, it seems we have a way to deal with rogue sites which will benefit the film industry and the entire creative sector. But Mike OConnor, of Consumer Focus, said: Website blocking only treats the symptoms, not the cause of why consumers infringe copyright. Blocking access to Newzbin2 is short sighted and will not reduce demand. Consumers will seek out other sources and the only long-term solution is more and better legal alternatives.

The big guns: A group of Hollywood studios brought a case against BT over the illegal downloading of filmsThe Competition Commission is currently investigating the industry over lucrative deals with pay-TV channels such as Sky that limit the availability of films online legally.Content producers want a market structure that generates maximum ! profits, said Mr OConnor.Meeting consumer demand for movies by offering services legally with different price points, through subscription or pay-per-view, is the only viable long-term solution.