RnBxclusive Takedown Has Scared Sites Straight - Soca

Soca has issued a statement claiming its recent seizure of RnBxclusive has already led other illegal music download sites to voluntarily shutdown or take measures to operate legally.

The Serious Organised Crimes Agency (Soca) issued its statement on the forced shutdown of RnBxclusive on Thursday. The site itself was seized on Wednesday as a part of a wider, "operational programme aimed at protecting UK businesses and the wider economy."

The agency went on to report that, despite widespread criticism from numerous anti-online censorship groups, the seizure had already yielded positive results. Specifically, Soca's statement suggested that in the aftermath of the operation three sites had already responded, either closing or taking measures to operate legally.

"Responses to the takedown have included action by three more music sites. One has taken itself offline voluntarily, one claims to be considering taking itself offline, and another has posted a claim on its home page to now only be dealing in legal music files following the activity. A number of site users have deleted their download histories. Commentary on Twitter and other social media has been global," read Soca's statement.

Soca's statement went on to confirm reports that the man arrested during the seizure has been released on bail pending further investigations. International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) figures included in the statement reported that sites such as RnBxclusive cost UK businesses and artists in-excess of £15m per year.

The forced closure of RnBxclusive comes in the midst of a heated debate about how law enforcement should combat online piracy. In Europe the debate has focused on the controversial Acta bill - an international trade agreement many groups believe will grant law enforcement and corporations the power to censor the internet.

A full copy of Soca's statement can be read here.