An Internet blackout among U.S.-based websites protesting SOPA was a big topic in January, but the war against piracy continues.
In the UK this week, when Internet surfers went to music blog RnBXclusive.com -- a UK-based music site offering links to the latest music -- they were met with a message from SOCA (Serious Organised Crime Agency), which said they had shut the website down.
The British agency stated that they have arrested the website's principals on charges of fraud, claiming that it caused £15 million (around $23 million) in losses.
The message also made sure to warn users that they may have committed a criminal offense in using the website.
"If you have downloaded music using this website, you may have committed a criminal offence which carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine under UK law."
If you continued reading the message, it said the majority of music files that the domain made available "were stolen from the artists", and said they have the technology to "monitor and investigate" its users.
"Soca has the capability to monitor and investigate you and can inform your internet service provider of these infringements. You may be liable for prosecution and the fact that you have received this message does not preclude you from prosecution," it read. "As a result of illegal downloads, young, emerging artists may have had their careers damaged. If you have illegally downloaded music, you will have damaged the future of the music industry."
In an attempt to fight back against the financial losses it has sustained over the last decade, the music industry has taken steps to combat the rise of music sharing websites and blogs. In the SOCA message, they even offered an advertisement for pro-music.org, an industry website promoting legal music downloads.
In January, filesharing giant Megaupload was shut down over U.S. accusations that it facilitated millions of illegal downloads of films, music and other content, costing copyright holders at least $300m in lost revenue. Its founder, Kim Dotcom, and three employees were arrested and brought before the courts in New Zealand.
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