The government has confirmed that it is considering new proposals to tackle broadband piracy.

According to a statement from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skill, one idea currently being contemplated is disconnecting illegal filesharers through technical measures to be overseen by Ofcom.

This represents a significant change from the proposals outlined in Lord Carter's Digital Britain paper this summer.

That report saw the former communications minister calling for illegal filesharers to be dissuaded through targeted letters, with repeat offenders liable to face lawsuits brought by the copyright holders.

Under the new plans, internet service providers would be obliged to take action such as blocking internet access to individual, repeat offenders.

Digital Britain minister Stephen Timms said: "Technology and consumer behaviour is fast-changing and it's important that Ofcom has the flexibility to respond quickly to deal with unlawful file-sharing."

This month has seen a flurry of activity with regards to the government's plans for a national broadband policy.

Last week, a blog entry on the official Digital Britain website revealed that proposals are still being considered for a £6 annual broadband tax on UK phone lines.