Newzbin, a members only file sharing website, has become the focus of attention from Hollywood’s Motion Picture Association which is seeking a High Court order barring BT from allowing access to the download site.

If successful in their action the MPA “hope that other ISPs would take note of the result.” 

It marks a switch in tactics from the industry, away from seeking to take websites down completely toward simply banning access to copyrighted material and would be the first time web blocking technology has been employed for content other than child pornography.

The identity of Newzbin’s current owners, which made a profit of £360k in 2009, are unknown but a spokesperson known only as Mr White dismissed the moves saying: “we can run faster than them [the MPA] and shapeshift”.