Graham Cluley, a computer security expert from net security company Sophos, told the BBC that there were ways for computer owners to protect their machines from this type of fraud - for instance, by using up-to-date anti-virus software.

BBC: Luminous keyboard

Nick Lockett, a solicitor and net law expert from Stanhope and Hooper, said the ruling was not a landmark judgement, but was simply reminding net companies of their responsibilities under UK law.

BBC: Websites forced to reveal user identity

According to Bill Gale, a savings expert at the Brookings Institution, virtually all the net new saving that has occurred through tax incentives has been by less-affluent Americans.

ECONOMIST: The precarious politics of prosperity