On-line file sharing service KaZaA this week announced that it is voluntarily suspending downloads of its desktop software pending the decision of a Dutch court on 31st January which may determine its future.

The move follows an order by an Amsterdam court requiring it to stop individuals from swapping files of copyright-protected music.

However, the company is powerless to stop those who previously downloaded the peer-to-peer software from using it to share infringing files and, to date, it is reported that the software has been downloaded more than 27 million times. In the last week alone it was downloaded 960,000 times, according to Download.com.

When imposing its order, the court said that failure to comply would result in a daily fine of €45,000 (around £28,000). According to reports, this has yet to be enforced. KaZaA has argued that compliance with the order is impossible because its system, unlike that of Napster, is decentralised.

Other media reports today comment on the low uptake of the fee-based music sites which are operated with the approval and support of the music industry.

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