Online film downloading is to get moreuser-friendly with the signing of a new charter.

In Cannes, EU and US Internet service providers andtelecom operators endorsed a new online charter, which aims to ensurethat both service providers and film companies cooperate to fight piracyand provide an attractive supply of films which can help.

"This is a good first step to protect online filmdistribution in Europe," John Woodward, chief executive officer ofEuropean Film Agency the UK Film Council said.

"We have a united front in favourof copyright protection and against piracy which involvesthe telecommunications companies as much as the filmmakersand distributors."