High Court orders UK ISPs to block torrent sites

The High Court in London has ordered six of the UK’s biggest internet service providers to block access to three torrent sites.

The websites in question, Fenopy, H33t and Kickass Torrents, have been deemed as enablers of illegal activity even though primary wrongdoing by the sites themselves is disputed.

The ISPs that will adhere to the ruling are Sky, BT, Everything Everywhere, TalkTalk, O2 and Virgin Media.

Geoff Taylor, head of the British Phonographic Industry, told CMU:

“UK music labels have innovated to build one of the most vibrant digital music sectors in the world. But the growth of digital music in the UK is held back by a raft of illegal businesses commercially exploiting music online without permission. Music fans shouldn’t have to worry that sites distributing music online are illegal and unethical. Blocking illegal sites helps ensure that the legal digital market can grow and labels can continue to sign and develop new talent.”