Prosecutor In Italy Orders Isps To Block Infringing Streaming Site

New York, NY (TOP40 Charts/ IFPI) -- A public prosecutor in Italy has ordered the blocking of linkstreaming.com, a website that facilitated access to copyright infringing music, games and films. The ruling in connection with the Swedish-based site follows an earlier Supreme Court ruling in connection with The Pirate Bay.

The operators of linkstreaming.com are based in Italy and were the main source of the infringing content which was uploaded to cyberlockers and linked to from the site. It is estimated the operators were earning around �20,000 a month in advertising revenues.

The prosecutor acted after being alerted by Italy's Fiscal Police (GdF) who had been assisted by FPM, the local recording industry's anti-piracy operation. As a consequence of the order, the site has been blocked by ISPs in Italy. Charges have been brought against six individuals associated with the site.

Luca Vespignani, secretary general of FPM, says: "This action shows that those who try to circumvent the law by operating illegal commercial services overseas will not succeed. They are building profits on the back of others' work and the authorities recognise the damage that is causing to creators here in Italy. The recent landmark ruling by the Supreme Court in connection with The Pirate Bay means it is easier to take action to block such infringing sites and other illegal services will find themselves in the same situation."