Germany Sues 3,500 eDonkey Users

Calling it the "biggest single action against illegal file-sharing internationally," the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry said Tuesday that 3,500 eDonkey users are facing criminal prosecution in Germany. The group was targeted for uploading up to 8,000 music files using the peer-to-peer network. Since 2004, Germany has cracked down on over 7,000 file swappers, averaging a settlement of 2,500 euros in each case.

Police searched 130 premises to gather evidence, the IFPI said, noting that each individual faces at least thousands of euros in fines. "The music industry has run numerous education campaigns aimed at audiences from parents to schools and internet users. Most people clearly know that file-sharing without permission is illegal - unfortunately it takes legal actions such as this make a real impact on behaviour," commented IFPI chairman John Kennedy.