Broadband provider BT's stance on illegal filesharing has been criticised by a music industry leader.

Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), has claimed the company has exaggerated the suggestion that tackling the issue could cost broadband firms up to £1 million a day.

He added in an interview with the Daily Mirror that the communications provider was wrong to claim that the music industry needs to take responsibility for the issue.

"It's shameful for a company like BT to know that a high percentage of the traffic it carries is illegal material but do nothing," he explained to the newspaper.

"This is just about BT protecting profits."

Music stars who are part of the Featured Artists Coalition recently backed plans for the introduction of a new three-strike system to deter illegal filesharers from carrying out the activity.