Since 2003, 35,000 people have been successfully sued for illegally downloading music but that's set to change as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has announced that it plans to end lawsuits against people who illegally download music.

Instead, it will work with internet service providers to fight piracy, effectively going after the dealers rather than the users.

Warnings will be issued to people who download music illegally, and if those warnings are not heeded, their internet service provider may cut them off.

"We think this is going to be a different form of stick, but we absolutely think this will be a meaningful alternative approach that will have a significant impact," an RIAA spokeswoman told Reuters.

The RIAA, which represents major record labels including Warner Music Group Corp, EMI, Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, will pursue lawsuits that have already been filed, but have said that they do not intend to file new suits.