Parents face paying price for downloaders’ teenage kicks

This could mean that if your teenager uses any kind of software to download music from another computer for free, warnings will be issued and your internet service could be restricted.”The problem’s been around now for over five years and if anything it’s getting worse,” says Scots entertainment lawyer Murray Buchanan.”The music industry’s been looking at various ways of trying to prevent this for years and the logical thing was always to use the internet service providers to exert pressure on their customers.”Tracking down the culprits is easier than you may think. Your computer has a unique number which leaves a trace behind when file-sharing software is used to download music tracks.If they see the number of your computer on a file-sharing internet site, then those who provide your internet service could use it as proof that your computer has been used to illegally access music.The first time a parent might know what their child has been up to is when a letter drops on to the doormat from the broadband provider to tell them when the offence took place.Next, if they fail to take a stand, or their teenagers ignore them, then parents could find their internet use closely monitored and their internet speed being reduced to such an extent that it will make it difficult to download large files.Ultimately, it is hoped that parents and their children will heed any warning that comes so that court proceedings will not need to be taken.Filing for financial damages is a hard line that the music industry is now reluctant to take because of its unpopularity with fans.

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