Britain's six largest internet service providers or ISPs have come together to fight off the problem of internet piracy. As per a new scheme of theirs, from now onwards letters of warning will be posted at the home address of those indulging in illegal downloading habits over the Web. This is a government-backed drive and it targets the worst offenders of the approximately 6.5 million web users involved in illicit file-sharing of music and films.

As per estimates, this mal-practice is going to cost the music industry in the coming five years a solid £1bn loss. It is being planned to introduce the ‘three strikes and you're out’ rule in order to disconnect those who choose to ignore warnings. However, there is a strong possibility that this particular sanction may get opposed by a number of ISPs.

During the introductory phase of this ISP scheme, it has been thought to begin counter-action by sending warning letters to the most frequent downloaders to apprise them that they have been traced and are being monitored. The six internet service providers who have joined hands for this project include BT, Virgin Media, Orange, Tiscali, BSkyB, and Carphone Warehouse.