PH The Pirate Bay could face a broadband block

The Pirate Bay, and other torrent site users, were recently hit by a wave of email warnings exposing what they had been downloading illegally. These messages are being sent out by ISPs, via the new "Get it Right" campaign, in a bid to reduce the amount of content being shared on the web. Within the message is a huge amount of personal data including IP address and what files were downloaded. Copyright information and exactly when the file was accessed is also revealed plus a list of helpful advice on how to avoid downloading content in the future. The email states also states ""This is a government-backed scheme which aims to support Britain’s creative industry by informing people about legal sources of content, with the aim of reducing the illegal sharing of copyrighted material. "By sharing illegally rather than enjoying it from legitimate sources, you aren’t supporting the growth and success of the content you love."

REVEALED: Most torrented shows on Pirate bay and Kickass Torrents Thu, January 19, 2017 THESE are the top 10 shows that have been illegally downloaded the most on torrent site such as the Pirate Bay and Kickass Torrents Play slideshow PH 1 of 10 NUMBER 10: The Grand Tour is number 10 in the most downloaded shows

However, these official emails don't appear to be putting users off accessing files illegally. One regular visitor to torrent sites recently revealed to TorrentFreak that the warnings wouldn't be enough to make him stop. “I was expecting [a warning] sooner or later as a heavy BitTorrent user." He said. “I don’t think the warnings will work, at least not on a big scale. Maybe they will educate some people who did it by mistake or did it just once but for someone like me there is no hope. But at least the campaign is not aggressive.” Now research from Broadband Genie also suggest this latest campaign is not tough enough on users.

According to a recent poll from the comparison website, 72 per cent of people said they do not believe users will stop accessing or sharing copyrighted material because of a warning letter. Many believe the only way to stop torrent use is to enforce far more strict sanctions including blocking broadband or threatening court action. In fact 22 per cent suggested threat of court action or losing their broadband connection would be a suitable incentive, while 19% reckon cheaper legal content is the way to go. However, there is a problem as the current warnings are based on simply linking IP address to infringing activity, yet this does not personally identify anyone. Warning notices will be sent to the bill payer registered to that IP address at the time but anyone with access to the connection (such as kids, housemates or neighbours with the Wi-Fi password) could be the culprit. This makes it incredibly hard for the authorities to enforce the law.

BROADBAND GENIE MAny torrent users don't think the warning letters are enough