Survey questions effectiveness of anti-P2P techniques

11:18 | Wednesday June 10, 2009

The research claims that only 33% of those receiving a letter form their ISP would stop illegally downloading content. However, 80% would stop if the letter were followed up by action such as cutting their internet connection.

“A letter would not be enough," Alexander Ross, partner in the media and technology group at Wiggin, tells the BBC. "It does take an ultimate sanction."

The survey follows a declaration last week from outgoing Culture Secretary Andy Burnham that the Government’s intention was not to introduce a “Draconian approach” to filesharing, which would shut off broadband to users.

Burnham said broadband was almost as important to people now as their electricity and water supplies so “you don’t go straight to cutting off people from it. There are ways to provide incentives for people to respect rights”.

The Wiggin report questioned more than 1,500 consumers about their digital media habits.