People in the UK who go online and illegally download music and films may have their internet access cut under plans the government is considering.
A draft consultation Green Paper suggests internet service providers would be required to take action over users who access pirated material.
Under a "three strikes" rule they would receive an e-mail warning, suspension, and then termination of their contract.
Six million people a year are estimated to download files illegally in the UK.
Music and film companies say that the illegal downloads cost them millions of pounds in lost revenues.
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