Ireland’s High Court has approved a settlement that will see Internet service provider Eircom sever the connections of subscribers who fail to heed repeated warnings to stop illegal file-sharing. The court disagreed that handing over the identities of suspected file-swappers to copyright holders by Eircom runs afoul of the country’s privacy laws.

A “three-strikes” protocol will now be implemented by Eircom, in the form of several warning letters sent to suspected file-swappers, followed by a suspension or termination of their Internet access account.

“This is a hugely important decision that sends a resounding message about the need for creators and artists’ rights to be protected on the internet,” said John Kennedy, chairman and CEO of international record label trade group IFPI.

“This sends a strong message to governments that are now considering how to help their creative industries address the threat of mass online piracy. In particular, it highlights the viability of the graduated response approach that has recently been adopted through legislation in the UK and France.”