This has been brewing for a while, but the U.K. High Court has now reached a decision that all ISPs in the U.K. must block The Pirate Bay. Popular U.K. ISPs, Everything Everywhere, O2 Sky, TalkTalk, and Virgin Media must now prevent their users from being able to access the piracy site. Though it is certainly annoying for U.K. torrenters, one wonders if the High Court realizes there are, roughly, an seemingly infinite number of popular alternatives.

If you’re wondering if this action might set a dangerous precedent, Virgin Media — though they will comply with the order — feels the same way, stating, “As a responsible ISP, Virgin Media complies with court orders addressed to the company but strongly believes that changing consumer behaviour to tackle copyright infringement also needs compelling legal alternatives…” It would seem Virgin Media gets it, that the best way to prevent piracy is to offer a better alternative, whether it be a better incentive for users not to pirate, or, going with what Virgin said, a scarier punishment.

The British Phonographic Institute is certainly happy with the ruling, stating that “sites like The Pirate Bay destroy jobs in the UK and undermine investment in new British artists.” BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor added:

“Its operators line their pockets by commercially exploiting music and other creative works without paying a penny to the people who created them. This is wrong – musicians, sound engineers and video editors deserve to be paid for their work just like everyone else.”

I’m not about to delve into the rights and wrongs of piracy, but with the recent passing of CISPA (however vetoed it may get), and now the High Court requiring ISPs to block the most popular torrent site, the Internet seems to be edging toward a state that is a little less friendly.

(via BBC News)

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