The UK could soon be following the US by blocking websites that pirate movies and music.
The warning came from communications minister Ed Vaizey in a speech to a conference in London.
In his speech Mr Vaizey said that a voluntary code of practice being drawn up by US ISPs and content owners could be a "game-changer" in other countries.
Many other nations are looking at site blocking to prevent illegal streaming of films, music and sports events.
The change of tactic comes as experts see pirates choose websites that stream content over traditional file-sharing networks.
Odd attitude
Mr Vaizey struck a bullish note in his keynote speech at the Intellect Consumer Electronics conference.
"If people are streaming live football without permission we should look at ways we can stop them," he said. "People have the right to earn money from content they create."
He remained tight-lipped on what came out of last week's meeting between ISPs and content providers to discuss website blocking, but hinted that the US may be leading the way.
"A voluntary agreement may come out of the US and if that does happen it could be a game-changer," he said.
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