The UK government's been laying out ways it intends to pursue persistent net pirates.
The BBC reports it comes as Lord Mandelson confirmed that he would introduce tough measures against illegal file-sharers.
Initially pirates could have download caps imposed or have their bandwidth restricted.
If that did not prove effective in reducing illegal file-sharing, the government will consider disconnecting them from the network.
The Department for Business, Skills and Innovation said the legislation will come into force in April 2010, with the tougher disconnection policy introduced in the spring of 2011 if necessary.
It has asked Ofcom to monitor levels of file-sharing. ISP TalkTalk said the plans were "ill-conceived" and said it was prepared to challenge measures "in the courts".
