Internet service provider UPC has restated its plans to continue to allow its customers access to file-sharing websites such as thepiratebay.org.
Earlier this year, music industry companies EMI, Sony, Warner and Universal (the copyright holders), filed a High Court action against a number of internet service providers (ISPs). The action attempted to force the ISPs to block file-sharing websites that typically allow music to be illegally and freely shared.
In a statement today, UPC said it had been notified by the copyright holders of plans to proceed with a High Court application for an interim injunction that would require UPC to block access to The Pirate Bay.
All ISPs have resisted complying with the copyright holders’ requests so far except Eircom. Irish people connecting to the internet through Eircom will not be able to access The Pirate Bay from September 1st following an agreement made between the company and the copyright holders.
Today’s statement from UPC said it “cannot and will not” meet the requests of EMI, Sony, Warner and Universal.
“UPC regrets this decision by the copyright holders. We have throughout all correspondence indicated that we are very supportive of the position that authors and performers are entitled to be remunerated for their artistic efforts,” the statement read.
“We take a strong stance on the infringement of copyright. Notwithstanding this however, as a legitimate business we are required to operate within the confines of the law. We believe that there is no basis in Irish law for this request. To agree to such a move would be to change the nature of an ISP from a communications provider to being a gatekeeper that censors the material its users can access.”