ISPs to become Internet cops?

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Published time: November 12, 2009 01:03
Edited time: November 12, 2009 09:56

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Internet, Law, Meeting, Piracy

A new anti-piracy law would allow internet service providers to inspect content users are sending and disconnect them when a copyright holder “alleges” there were violations, computer analyst Shelly Roche told RT.

Last week saw many of the world's largest economies meet behind closed doors in the South Korean capital of Seoul to consider a global agreement on the enforcement of intellectual property rights.

Battling commercial fraud seems like a good idea, but what arouses suspicion is the unprecedented secrecy surrounding the details of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, ACTA.

According to information that leaked from the meeting, there have been proposals for the control of the internet, namely a three-strikes law. It would make the internet service providers (ISP) disconnect users who have illegally shared copyrighted material at least three times.

The first concern is that the negotiations have been kept secret, Roche said. Second, “there is a clause about liability for ISPs that would allow them to monitor our traffic more closely than they do now” – in other words, “to inspect what content we are sending.”

If they do not do that, she said, they could face lawsuits from copyright holders.

A way for ISPs to avoid liability would be to use the three-strike rule “by immediately taking down the content when the copyright holder alleges that there’s been a violation.”

So, Roche said, “they won’t actually have to prove that there has been a violation,” they would just have to say so. “And then the burden of proof is on you to prove that you were not using something unlawfully.”

Comments (2)

Mad as Hell 26.01.2012 20:27

If Governments continue to implement fascist controls over freedom of speech, we should use their awful laws against them. For example, if someone hacked Obama's website and installed a complete download service with copyrighted works for FREE. Then "we the people" could confiscate the Government under the spirit of ACTA and return it back to the people where it belongs. The US is trying to enslave the entire world under the guise of "freedom", go figure! This is about a NWO, where the US President and his bought-off Two Party Union of Crooks, RULE THE WORLD! "We the people of Earth" must stop them at all costs! This American Soldier took an oath to defend the Constitution of which the US Government is operating in complete violation. There are many more like me. Uncle Sam is underestimating just how much more abuse we will take before we rise up and take a stand! I find it hard to believe, but when one takes a good look at the USA today, one can smell Revolution brewing.

Undo

Texan 12.11.2009 03:23

While piracy is definitely a major concern, it does not warrant allowing ISPs to monitor client's internet connections. The internet must remain free. Instead, I suggest that publishers attempt to educate web users about the importance of legally downloading their video and music. Further, this video and music must be made easily available for purchase at download sites such as iTunes.

Undo