High court makes it harder to sue internet providers for online piracy
Los Angeles Times • • business
Key Points:
- The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that internet service providers are generally not liable for copyright infringement committed by their users, overturning a $1-billion verdict against Cox Communications in a piracy lawsuit brought by Sony.
- The court emphasized that merely providing internet service with knowledge of some users' infringement does not constitute contributory copyright infringement, distinguishing this case from earlier rulings against companies like Grokster and Napster.
- The decision was criticized by music and film industry representatives who argue it weakens copyright protections and accountability for online piracy, while supporters, including civil liberties groups, hailed it as a protection for free speech and against undue censorship.
- Legal experts suggest the ruling leaves the entertainment industry with limited options, potentially pushing them to pursue legislative changes or target individual infringers rather than internet service providers.
- Cox defended the ruling by highlighting the risk of crippling lawsuits for ISPs over user actions they do not control, underscoring the technological challenges of policing online copyright infringement.
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