Discussions between broadband providers and film and television companies have broken down again, according to the Independent.

With much debate over who holds responsibility for protecting copyrighted material online, the talks between the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and the Internet Service Providers Association aimed to address the issue.

While those in the creative industries believe the onus should be placed with internet suppliers because only they have records of who is downloading material illegally, broadband firms have stated that it is not the job of providers to police the internet.

Lavinia Carey, of the British Video Association, expressed concern that unless the situation is resolved, the UK could find itself in a similar position to South Korea, where piracy has had a damaging effect on the film amd music industry as a whole.

In February, the government ordered a national review into the state of the UK broadband market. The first stage of the consultation is due to finish before the end of summer.