Carphone Warehouse chief executive Charles Dunstone has rejected music industry proposals to disconnect internet customers who illegally download tunes.

A plan promoted by music industry body the BPI would result in consumers who pirate material being cut off by internet service providers under a “three strikes” rule. But Dunstone, whose Carphone business owns the TalkTalk broadband service, said he would not be a policeman.

He told The Daily Telegraph: “We are the conduit that gives users access to the internet; we do not control the internet nor do we control what our users do on the internet.

“I cannot foresee any circumstances in which we would voluntarily disconnect a customer’s account on the basis of a third-party alleging wrongdoing.”

His opposition to the scheme sets him at odds with the Government, which has threatened legislation on the issue unless internet service providers and music companies strike a voluntary agreement.