Study reveals most P2P pirates stop with a warning

72% Of P2P Pirates Would Stop With ISP Warning [Broadband Reports]

Broadband Reports writes on a study released by Entertainment Media research which indicates that 72% of those sharing copyrighted material on p2p networks would stop if issued a warning from their ISP. The warning - asking illegal file sharers to choose between file sharing or their Internet connection - appears to be a strong deterrent.

One of the most compelling reasons to quit would be if a consumer received a cease and desist warning notification from their ISP. 7 out of 10 currently accessing un-authorised content state they would stop if this happened. Interestingly, some of the most likely to be dissuaded are teenagers (78% for male teenagers and 75% for female teenagers). Nonetheless people are concerned about stories of prosecution, and nearly 2 in 3 say they would stop if they felt there was more chance of being caught, and over half are put off pirating by news stories.

Some ISPs are considering the use of filters to target illegal file sharing on p2p networks. And at least one cable operator is already sending the type of warnings detailed in the study.

Bush signs RIAA-backed intellectual-property law

Yesterday, the President signed into law the Pro-IP act, which strengthens current intellectual property laws. The Act's most prominent feature will be the creation a new federal "Copyright Czar," tasked with overseeing the enforcement of the nation's copyright laws. The Act also enhances penalties for copyright infringement and gives the federal and state governments additional resources to target piracy.

I know it's not popular to support strong methods to protect copyright laws in some circles.  Make no mistake about it, we MUST protect the intellectual property rights of content owners.  If we don't, we disassemble the entire economic ecosystem of content creation.  Other nations, more intent to strict protections, will attract the creative community to their borders and we will lose one of our most important exports.

Not a pretty prospect, especially in these dire economic conditions.

Windows 7 will be called… Windows 7 [ZDNet]

Microsoft's PR department is already beginning to shift the attention away from Windows Vista and on to their next operating system. Though it's still at least a year or more away from release, Microsoft has announced the name of their next OS - it's Windows 7. The last version of Windows to carry a "version number" in the name was Windows 3.1, released during the early 90's. It's no secret that Vista has had its problems, and it looks like Microsoft is anxious to move on by dropping any reference to Vista from the name of the new product.

Startup claims Gbit version of Wi-Fi [EETimes]

Anxious to start streaming gigabit speeds on your wireless network? One company has announced the development of a Wi-Fi chipset that is capable of transmitting up to 1.5 gigabits per second. Though the product is not in commercial production yet, with ISPs unveiling ever-increasing broadband speeds, this sounds like a product that's got a ready market.