ISPs face new file-sharing action

Irish internet service providers are facing new legal action from record labels trying to clamp down on file sharing.

EMI, Sony, Warner Music and Universal have issued proceedings against UPC, Imagine, Vodafone, Digiweb and Hutchison 3G.

The case is due before the High Court on December 17th.

The labels are seeking an injunction compelling ISPs to block free file-sharing site Pirate Bay.

UPC confirmed proceedings had been served on its legal representatives and that it had previously declined Irish music industry body IRMA’s request to voluntarily block the Pirate Bay.

“We understand that all other ISPs joined to the proceedings similarly declined the request,” the company said in a statement.

“UPC can confirm however its position has not changed. As an ISP, our position is that ISPs should not on a voluntary basis decide what can or should be consumed by users. We believe such matters are for the Government or court to decide.”

Mobile network and broadband provider Hutchison 3G, which trades as 3 Ireland, also said it was a matter for courts to decide.

The issue has been the subject of an ongoing battle between the music industry and the internet service providers in recent years.

Eircom has blocked its broadband services customers from using the site since September 1st 2009 after settling a case with Irma.

The High Court made an order requiring Eircom to disable access to Pirate Bay and related domain names and URLs.