One in five broadband users back punishments for illegal file-sharing

One in five UK broadband users are in favour of more stringent punishments for anyone caught engaging in illegal peer-to-peer file-sharing, new research suggests.

According to a survey of 472 broadband users conducted by ISPreview.co.uk, 20.7 per cent of respondents back harsher repercussions for illicit file-sharers.

However, the research also indicated that only 14.8 per cent of people were in favour of limiting broadband speeds for consistent offenders and 26.9 per cent preferred the issuing of warning letters.

Only 6.1 per cent of respondents backed complete broadband bans for illegal file-sharers, while just 5.2 per cent believed in disconnection from a particular internet service provider (ISPs).

In fact, 22.4 per cent of those surveyed were completely unsure how should ISPs should appropriately tackle the problem.

The Internet Service Providers Association has previously argued that ISPs "are no more able to inspect and filter every single packet passing across their network than the Post Office is able to open every envelope".