[solaris]

Internet users face being charged an annual "licence fee" of £30 to download music as part of a new crackdown on piracy.

Under the proposals, backed by the Government and internet service providers, millions of broadband users could pay an annual tax allowing them to copy as much music from the internet as they want.

An estimated 6.5 million broadband users unlawfully download files every year, which has resulted in a slump of CD and DVD sales

The money raised would be channelled back to record companies, with artists receiving a cut depending on their sales.

The move is part of a package of proposals designed to tackle illegal file sharing of music which it is estimated will cost the British music industry £1 billion in the next two years.

Full story here: Internet users to pay £30 annual 'licence fee' to download music - Telegraph

[chris7]

Luckily, I have never ever done filesharing to my knowledge.
So that is £30 I can invest in Russian music sites?

[benv]

What annoys me is this message they always send out:

An estimated 6.5 million broadband users unlawfully download files every year, which the industry warns has resulted in a slump in CD and DVD sales.

CD sales have risen year on year for years, FACT. CD single sales have gone to pot yes, but downloads is fast replacing the lost volume there. But CD albums sales continue to rise in the UK.

This tax though. Sounds to me like a good idea for prolific file sharers, or those who leak music. £30 to avoid getting a slap from the cops is cheap. How long before we see £15 and we'll let you dope yourself up to the eyeballs with mental drugs.

[Damo]

Originally Posted by solaris

Under the proposals, backed by the Government and internet service providers, millions of broadband users could pay an annual tax allowing them to copy as much music from the internet as they want.

I don't get this, so for a levy of £30.00 per year they will turn a blind eye to illegal file sharing?

This is probably a recognition that they cannot stop file sharing and now are trying to turn it into a revenue stream!!!

[Mellifluous]

Rather bizarre, and I don't think that's a great idea. The redistribution of the money seems flawed. I'd rather they just make digital music cheaper. They'd recoup a lot more from me than £30 a year that way, and the money would be distributed reflected by what I download.