Ananova:

A new computer virus reported in Romania deletes only electronic gipsy music files.

The Win.32.Antiman.A virus destroys audio and video files containing 'manele' music.

Manele is traditional gipsy music played in an electronic style which has become very popular in Romania.

But it also has many detractors who have praised the virus as a 'utalitarian' blessing.

Softwin, a Romanian company specialising in antivirus software, said the worm works by targeting files associated with singers' names.

Spokesman Cosmin Mares said: "The effects of the virus are an increased usage of internet band and serious problems to companies' servers. All these cost money and someone has to pay."

Vali The Blizzard, a popular Manele singer, said: "I don't believe this is a threat for us.

"On the contrary they are doing us a favour. This way our fans will have to buy the CDs and not take the music from the internet for free."