Disconnecting movie and music pirates from the internet would not breach human rights and international law, the federal government says, disputing a UN report released this week.

But the Attorney-General's department said the government remains of the view that ISPs and content owners should negotiate a solution to piracy as opposed to the government stepping in with new laws.

The music and film industries have long pushed the government to introduce "three strikes" or "graduated response" legislation that would see people accused of repeatedly infringing copyright subjected to penalties including warning notices and eventually, disconnection. This process would take place without any involvement from the courts.

On Monday, the music industry backflipped on these demands, while the film industry remained of the view that strict penalties including disconnection should apply to repeat copyright infringers. Sources said the music industry softened its stance after realising both the government and the ISPs would not accept a policy that saw Australian families cut off from the internet.