The Supreme Court Is About to Hear a Case That Could Rewrite Internet Access
Slate • • business
Key Points:
- The Supreme Court will hear Cox Communications, Inc. v. Sony Music Entertainment, a case determining whether internet providers can be held liable for not terminating subscribers accused of repeat copyright infringements, potentially affecting internet access as a punishment for digital violations.
- Cox was found liable for willful contributory copyright infringement after record companies sued, alleging the ISP knew about repeat infringements by its subscribers but failed to take adequate action, raising questions about the extent of secondary liability for service providers.
- Secondary liability in copyright law hinges on intent and knowledge of specific infringements; merely providing a service usable for infringement is insufficient for liability without evidence of bad faith or active facilitation.
- The stakes in Cox are high because terminating internet access affects entire households or organizations tied