The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has published its latest 'Digital Music Report 2008', which appears to criticise UK ISP's for not doing enough to tackle online music piracy.

Its report claims that while governments are starting to accept that ISPs should take a far bigger role in protecting music on the internet, urgent action is still needed to translate this into reality:


The report calls for legislative action by the European Union and other governments where existing discussions between the music industry and record companies fail to progress:


Research by IFPI also claims to debunk a myth about illegal P2P services, stating that fans get better choice on legal sites and not less. Using a sample of 70 acts on the legal site iTunes and on the copyright infringing service Limewire. In 95% of searches the artists requested had more songs available on iTunes than on the leading P2P service.

Proposals to curb online piracy in the UK are due in the coming months, although many expect any initial action to be moderated and cautious rather than the more aggressive moves that have taken place in France recently.