Government to Monitor UK Internet Use

Downloading a copyrighted file in the UK could now get you a direct warning from the government.

A new plan, just announced today, has the nation’s six biggest ISPs working hand-in-hand with regulating group Ofcom. Together, they’ll identify and then help monitor people believed to be illegally sharing music, movies, and other protected materials online.

Once an ISP flags you, you’ll get a government warning informing you that you are being monitored. Officials could then issue you more warnings, potentially using either what’s described as a “three-strikes-and-you’re-out” policy or eventually putting a filter on your account that’ll restrict your activity.

The ISPs involved thus far are Virgin Media, BSkyB, Carphone Warehouse, BT, Orange, and Tiscali.