Peer-to-peer file sharers are contemplating new legislation, which could land them with a 3 year prison term and a $250,000 fine.

The new law relates to films and songs that have not been released commercially.

An offence will have been committed, by having just one copy of a pre-release film or song in a shared folder for swapping. Other swappers do not even need to have downloaded it.

The move is part of a new family entertainment and copyright law. Having cleared the Senate it only needs the signature of George W. Bush.

Both the US and UK media industry have been targetting file sharers. Numerous legal campaigns have been fought or are ongoing.

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