United States to target overseas pirates

The United States Government will search out websites hosted internationally that pirate American entertainment, such as films and music files.

Vice president Joe Biden said at a meeting with attorney-general Eric Holder and other cabinet officials that “this is theft, clear and simple”.

“It’s smash and grab, no different than a guy walking down Fifth Avenue and smashing the window at Tiffany’s and reaching in and grabbing what’s in the window,” Biden said.

The entertainment industry has been pursuing internet pirates for years. Recently, Hollywood studios including Paramount and 20th Century Fox took on ISP iiNet, accusing it of allowing its users to download illegally copied material.

“As we shine the spotlight on foreign governments that have rogue actors doing illicit business within their borders, it’s the government’s responsibility to respond,” Biden said.