Record labels' legal blitz hits 31 more music pirates

Music industry body the BPI has launched a fresh wave of legal actions against alleged file-sharers, nearly two weeks after it announced the settlement of cases against 23 file-sharers for average damages of £2,000 each.

The High Court has granted the BPI (British Phonographic Industry) an order requiring six ISPs to give up the names and addresses of 31 individuals believed to be serial music peer-to-peer uploaders.

The ISPs have 14 days to comply. Once officials have the details of the alleged song-swappers, they will contact them and offer them the opportunity to settle out of court or face court proceedings.

BPI general counsel Geoff Taylor said file-sharers come from all walks of life and advised parents to check that their children are not using illegal P2P services.

The court order marks the second round of the BPI's action against music pirates. Of the 26 accused in the initial action of October 2004, 23 have settled, including the director of an IT company.