Four Japanese Internet-service providers have reportedly decided to take serious action against file-swappers who frequent the nation's peer-to-peer networks such as WinNY. With the RIAJ, Japan's answer to the RIAA, anxious to punish pirates, the ISPs have, in conjunction with rights-holders (music publishers and songwriters) collectively decided to monitor their customers' Internet usage, identify habitual offenders and cut off their Web access. Further action will be decided on in April when the rights-holders and ISPs convene. www.riaj.or.jp/e/index.html
