The crackdown on streaming illegal content continues with Microsoft now joining the fight. The US technology giant has just revealed a new patent which would allow it to block content that is being shared without the copyright holders permission. Along with blocking files, those who regularly share files could also be identified and their accounts terminated. According to TorrentFreak, Microsoft's patent means that individuals who repeatedly break the rules could easily be singled out and even punished. Microsoft's patent relies on a fingerprinting technique which would make it possible to identify illegal files which can then be instantly blocked.

GETTY Microsoft has patented technology to block illegal streams

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The patent specifically refers to the ability to identify and block the sharing of "prohibited content." The patent from Microsoft reads: "Objects in a shared storage system can be marked as including prohibited content. Incidents that result in objects being so marked can be stored in an incident history associated with a user responsible for those objects. "The incident history can be processed to identify repeat offenders and modify access privileges of those users. "However, when objects are shared by one user with another user, prohibited content is blocked from being shared, while the remainder of the shared objects can be accessed by the other user. "Functions that allow sharing of content are implemented so as prevent sharing of prohibited content with another user, while allowing other content to be shared. If a group of files or objects is shared, then the presence of prohibited content in one object in the group results in that prohibited content not being shared, but the remaining files or objects are still shared."

The news comes as services such as Kodi and the Pirate Bay come under more pressure. The UK's Digital Economy Act has just received royal assent, meaning UK file-sharers could now be imprisoned for a decade. Following a recommendation from the International Property Office, IPO, the maximum prison sentence for copyright infringement in the UK has been increased from two years – to 10. The IPO had previously commissioned a study that suggested online copyright infringement should carry similar sanctions to those used for counterfeiting offences. Minister of State for Digital and Culture at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Matt Hancock said: "I'm delighted the Digital Economy Act has become law. "This legislation will help build a more connected and stronger economy." Whilst it's unlikely end-users will go to jail they could get still face being caught up in criminal investigations. Speaking about the issues of illegal streaming Kieron Sharp, FACT Chief Executive, told Express.co.uk: “Consumers need to be aware that devices that allow you access to premium pay-for TV channels without a legitimate subscription, or access to films that are not yet available to rent or buy, are illegal. “Whilst end users are not a target, they could get swept up in one of our operations and become part of the whole criminal investigation, which could lead to prosecution alongside the suppliers, retailers and importers.”

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