The time is up for internet service providers. The government is giving ISPs an April 2009 deadline to put processes in place to halt digital piracy or face legal sanctions, reports the FT. What’s more, the government—frustrated by the slow progress ISPs have made to tackle illegal downloads--says this is no idle threat. Culture Secretary Andy Burnham told the pink paper, “Let me make it absolutely clear: this is a change of tone from the government. “It’s definitely serious legislative intent.”

According to a creative industries strategy paper published today, the government will consult this spring on the anti-piracy legislation, though does not offer a roadmap on how any sanctions would work. Burnham noted that there was “no burning desire to legislate,” and that the government recognised there were “practical problems” and “legitimate issues” to deal with. Previous reports said Britain was considering a “three strikes policy,” in which digital pirates would be given three warnings from their ISP before having their access yanked. But the warning system—which was also proposed in France--is not specified in the paper. ISPs have clung to the analogy that they are like the Royal Mail, and cannot be held responsible for what is sent through its system.

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