MUSIC and film companies are asking broadband providers to sign up to a voluntary code for policing illegal downloading.
Record label bosses have been invited to meet Prime Minister David Cameron on September 12, when they will discuss efforts to beat digital piracy.
Virgin Media, BT, TalkTalk and BskyB have been asked to create a database of customers illegally downloading music, books or movies, with a view to disconnecting or prosecuting regular offenders.
Letters warning of the consequences of illegal downloading would initially be sent to offenders.
Punishments could include slowing down internet connections, disconnecting customers from broadband for a certain amount of time, blocking users from specific websites and prosecution.
The push for action comes in the wake of delays in implementing the Digital Economy Act, voted into law by parliament three years ago.
The Act will not come into force until next year or possibly 2015.