The US recording industry launched an anti-piracy drive last autumn

Scores of individuals using computer networks at 21 universities are among those being sued by the Recording Industry Association of America.

It is the first time the organisation has targeted computer users claimed to be swapping files over university networks using peer-to-peer systems.

The RIAA targeted 89 people using networks at universities across the US.

They included institutions in Arizona, California, Virginia, New York, Indiana, Maryland, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

Complaints were also filed against 443 people using commercial internet service providers in California, Colorado, Missouri, Texas and Virginia.

John Doe

The legal actions initiated by the RIAA are known as "John Doe lawsuits".

This means that the recording industry must work through the courts to find out the identities of the defendants.

At the outset these are only identified by protocol addresses assigned to computers online.

The defendants, which the trade group claims offered "substantial amounts" of music files, face potential civil penalties or settlements that could cost them thousands of dollars.

"We are sending a clear message that downloading or 'sharing' music from a peer-to-peer network without authorisation is illegal," said a statement from RIAA president Cary Sherman.

"It can have consequences and it undermines the creative future of music itself."