Veteran producer David Puttnam has demanded that internet search engines remove listings of sites that enable users to view pirated movies. Addressing the UK Film Distributors’ Association, Lord Puttnam (as he now is) stated: “A vital step for the technology sector is to signpost legitimate search options far more clearly and to delete links to sites that promote illegally sourced content.”

Any such move would generate much controversy among campaigners for openness on the internet. Tricky business.