One of the UK's leading broadband providers is trialling new technology that will help it in the battle against illegal filesharing, it has been revealed.

Virgin Media is using deep packet inspection technology provided by Detica to identify the types of files being downloaded by consumers, in an effort to fully understand how much illegal content is changing hands through its network, reports the Times.

However, it is not believed that the system will allow the broadband provider to discover the identity of specific filesharers.

"It could be, but the technology hasn't been designed for that purpose," a spokesman for Virgin Media told the newspaper.

"The IP information is discarded. It allows us to understand the exact nature of unlawful traffic on our network."

Last year, Virgin Media announced plans to launch a new digital music service that includes an unlimited download subscription option.

The company is working with Universal Music on the platform.