In a statement, IFPI Hong Kong explained that:

"This announcement coincides with international concerted action against illegal music files sharing today. Joining Hong Kong in announcing for the first time such legal action to curb online piracy are 4 other countries namely: Sweden, Switzerland, Argentina and Singapore."

"Other countries that had already conducted legal actions prior to this new wave are: Austria, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK and the US"

"We would like to point out that the recording industry has been compelled to take such legal action only as a last resort after our public education and awareness campaigns inviting public that every citizen should respect copyright has led to very limited success (or little result)."

"Our efforts in calling the music users to refrain from illegal file sharing has not resulted in any visible improvement in stopping such harmful and illegal activity. We learnt from other countries that, taking the on-line infringers to the court is the most effective way in bringing the attention of the public of the right attitude towards on-line piracy and of respecting the copyright law."

According to IFPI Hong Kong chief executive, Ricky Fung, the group is seeking compensation of around US$3,500 from each of the 22 individuals, who were found to have uploaded at least 100 songs onto the internet for others to download.