Verizon to appeal in music download ID case

[CloudEngineer]

US ISP, Verizon, is to appeal against a court ruling which forces it to reveal the identity of one of its customers who is alleged to have illegally made available more than 600 copyrighted music files over the Internet.

Yesterday, US District Court Judge John Bates ruled in favour of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in its dispute with the ISP Verizon.

He agreed that Verizon must release the identity in response to an "information subpoena" served by the RIAA last summer.

Verizon had refused to hand over the information claiming that the subpoena did not meet the requirements of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Welcoming the court's decision Cary Sherman, President, RIAA, said: "Now that the court has ordered Verizon to live up to its obligation under the law, we look forward to contacting the account holder whose identity we were seeking so we can let them know that what they are doing is illegal."

But Verizon has condemned the ruling claiming that it will have a "chilling effect on private communications".

In a statement Sarah B Deutsch, VP and associate general counsel for Verizon said: "The court's decision has troubling ramifications for consumers, service providers and the growth of the Internet.

"It opens the door for anyone who makes a mere allegation of copyright infringement to gain complete access to private subscriber information without the due process protections afforded by the courts.

"This case will have a chilling effect on private communications, such as e-mail, surfing the Internet or the sending of files between private parties."

She said that Verizon was not attempting to shield customers who break copyright laws but sought to protect people's right to privacy.

Verizon said it would appeal the decision.

Source: The Register via WinBeta

[Joseph Zollo]

I am glad to see at least one ISP stand up for its users! Go Verizon! The RIAA cant go around and start demanding this type of stuff, it unethical and pretty f'ing stupid.

[Jerichohol]

I am glad to see at least one ISP stand up for its users! Go Verizon! The RIAA cant go around and start demanding this type of stuff, it unethical and pretty f'ing stupid.

Agreed. The way the RIAA takes itself is so wrong. Lets hope other ISP's take a stand like Verizon.

[CloudEngineer]

Isn't there any privacy laws where the isp isn't allowed to give any information on the customers unless a federal or state judge makes them??

[ratbear]

this is messed up, this alot of bull i hope verizon buildings burn down!

[CloudEngineer]

this is messed up, this alot of bull i hope verizon buildings burn down!

why do you want there buildings to burn down?? :blink:

[RaQ]

this is messed up, this alot of bull i hope verizon buildings burn down!

he probably works for the RIAA and wants a promotion :laugh:

Also what I don't get is wtf is the RIAA I mean come on, why are they sueing? I've not bought a CD that said "RIAA Records" on it. They don't own the copyright, so fork them and fork them a millilon times. If the record companys have a problem they can go to court, the RIAA should be shut down and forked off the forking world.

and to Verizon if you were in my area I'd get your service no matter your price because your doing a forking good job.

Hrm. I love the word "fork" :D

Alex :geek:

[Veedems Veteran]

it definitely is good to see someone standing up for the user rights. go verizon!

[Samoa]

Yep its' great when ISPs step in and put the hand in the face of monsters inc. like RIAA. :yes: