Customers of Verizon's Internet services could potentially receive warnings from the RIAA, if they have been illegally sharing music online. CNET reports that Verizon is expected to start issuing "copyright notices" on behalf of the RIAA to users accused of illegal downloading.

CNET notes that in the past, Verizon has been more reluctant than other ISPs to get involved in copyright issues on behalf of the entertainment industry. "We recognize the importance of copyright and the need to enforce those copyrights," a Verizon spokesman said in a statement to CNET. "Without that enforcement, intellectual property won't be generated at all. At the same time, it's important for our customers to be assured that they won't have their privacy rights trampled."

The RIAA notice is expected to be similar to letters issued in the past by Comcast, AT&T and Cox, notifying customers that they have been accused of illegally sharing songs and to delete such content from their hard drives.

CNET also reports that several ISPs have started sending copyright notices out on behalf of the film industry as well.