Reuters is reporting that major recording company EMI is considering cutting its funding to industry associations such as the RIAA and the IFPI.

British music industry major EMI wants to cut its funding to the industry’s trade bodies, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters on Wednesday, which could deal a blow to the fight against music piracy.

The source said EMI, which was recently taken over by private equity group Terra Firma, was looking at ways to “substantially” reduce the amount it pays trade groups.

The groups, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and other national associations, represent music companies and the fight against illegal piracy.

According to the article, the trade groups receive a total of $131 Million from the 4 major recording companies.

Music Piracy is listed on the Havocscope Contraband Index at $4.5 Billion.