KC U-turn over illegal downloads

Kingston Communications is to drop its hardline approach of immediately cutting the Internet connection of people caught illegally downloading films and music.

People will no longer have their accounts suspended without warning if they are reported for downloading material protected by copy write.

KC today came under fire from customers about the policy, which is not shared by other Internet providers.

Cathy Philips, head of corporate communications for KC, said: "We have decided to take a softer approach and we will now operate a three strikes and you are out rule."

She said customers who are reported by the police, a copywriter or someone on behalf of a copywriter, will be sent warning letters before they lose Internet provision.

People effected will then have to sign an agreement in order to be reconnected.

The new policy comes in with immediate effect.