High Court issues site blocking Orders

Following on from orders last month to block access to five illegal websites, the High Court has today issued further site blocking Orders.

The Orders require the six largest UK ISPs - BT, Sky, Virgin Media, EE, TalkTalk and 02 - to block access to two illegal streaming sites, SolarMovie and Tubeplus.

In a written verdict, Lord Justice Arnold ruled that these sites directly infringe copyright and stated that “viewed from the perspective of the user, the Websites do in a very real sense make the content available to the public”.

Chris Marcich, president and managing director (EMEA), MPA, commented: “If we are to ensure that people everywhere have the continued ability to create new ideas and be rewarded for their creation, then the status quo of online content theft cannot continue. We have an obligation to take action against illegal websites that steal content and refuse to take it down when asked to by the owners of that material.”

ISPs are required to block Yify-Torrents, Project-Free TV, Primewire, Vodly and Watchfreemovies no later than the end of November, while the blocks against SolarMovie and Tubeplus are required by early December.

“These websites steal creative works for their own, untaxed, profit whilst paying nothing back to creators themselves. It is right and proper that legal, proportionate action be taken to tackle these sites to help turn the tide of widespread online copyright infringement,” added Christine Payne, chair, Creative Coalition Campaign and general-secretary, Equity.

John McVay, chief executive, Pact, said: “This action ensures that ordinary people who love great content can avert the risks associated with such sites and are not being subjected to their personal or financial details falling into the wrong hands. Instead they can enjoy the wide range of legal digital services offering secure, high quality content.”