Swedish Internet service providers could be required by law to cut off customers who share large amounts of copyright music and films online under a new proposal presented to the government Monday.

A report prepared by a government-appointed investigator said illegal file-sharing was "a significant obstacle" to the development of legal alternatives to download copyrighted material on the Net.

Internet providers should therefore be obliged to cancel services to customers found to engage in large-scale file-sharing _ or face fines, according to the report by Justice Department investigator Cecilia Renfors.

Sweden was long criticized as a safe haven for online piracy but has toughened its laws against file-sharing in recent years. Up to 10 percent of all Swedes are estimated to freely swap music, movies and games on their computers.

The government will review the report before deciding on whether to go ahead with the proposal.
CW