Thousands of people have signed a petition against legislation that will allow music and film producers take internet service providers to court in a bid to prevent online piracy.

Minister of State for Enterprise Seán Sherlock intends publishing an order this month that will amend the Republic’s copyright laws to allow record companies, film producers and other rights holders to seek court orders banning internet service providers from allowing access to websites that make pirate material available to the public.

Over 18,000 people signed a stopsopaireland online petition between 9.30pm on Monday and 7.00pm yesterday calling on Mr Sherlock not to sign the order into law as it favours corporate interests over citizens’ rights.

However, the Minister argues that a High Court ruling in 2010 obliges the Government to change the law.