The head of Warner Music has said that, while his own children may have downloaded music illegally, they will not be getting a subpoena for Christmas. 

Edgar Bronfman, head of Warner Music, the world's fourth largest music company, told Reuters that the best way to deal with such illegal downloading is parental guidance rather than taking them to court demanding thousands in damages. 

"I am fairly certain that my children have [downloaded illegally], and I am fairly certain that they have suffered the consequences," he said.

"I explained to them what I believe is right, that stealing music is stealing music. Frankly, right is right and wrong is wrong, particularly when a parent is talking to a child.

"A bright line around moral responsibility is very important. I can assure you they no longer do that."

Unfortunately for those not related to the head of a music conglomerate, the RIAA, which is funded by the music industry, is taking a much firmer line with those who download illegally. 

So far the organisation has targeted children, students, the elderly, dead people and those without computers.