Potter's Chamber of Secrets safe from pirates... for now

Film studio Warner Bros has rubbished claims that the second Harry Potter film has become available as a pirate copy via the internet days before its official release on Friday.

The studio, which will be hoping Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets repeats the success of its prequel, responded to widespread reports that the film is available for download, saying it had found an apparent copy of the film on the internet, but claimed when opened the file turned out to be empty.

However, it is most likely only a matter of time before the junior wizard's secrets are shared with the pirate community. Major blockbusters are often targeted by file swappers, using services such as KaZaA and Morpheus, and it is becoming increasingly common for films to find their way onto the web prior to full cinema release.

A company statement, released yesterday, said: "The illegal copying and distribution of movies is theft. Warner Bros takes the threat of internet piracy very seriously and employs all legal means to contain the unauthorised copying and distribution of our films on the internet."

silicon.com has already seen the movie - through entirely legal means - and can safely say anybody who enjoyed the first instalment should not be disappointed with the second film. But one piece of advice - unless you have a tube or a train to catch in a hurry - sit through the nine minutes of credits, for a special extra scene at the end. It's worth it. Just.