In what could be a first move towards adopting the British Phonographic Industry's (BPI) "three-strikes" proposal (see article 'To Ban or Not to Ban (Illegal File Sharers)' for details), Virgin Media is to begin issuing warning letters to any customer with accounts that have been used to download illegal (copyright) music files.

It's understood that the joint BPI / Virgin Media 10-week trial, which they're calling an "education campaign", will not threaten customers with disconnection. However, the press release indicates that two letters will be sent and while Virgin's may not threaten disconnection, the BPI's is likely to use more aggressive words:


Virgin Media will also provide information for all its broadband customers on their website. Tiscali recently pulled out of a similar deal, sighting disagreements over costs, among other things.

The trial itself will begin next week and we would like to hear from any readers that receive such letters.