Internet Providers Launch Mass Spy Campaign to Stop Piracy
In a coordinated effort from the nation’s largest internet service providers (ISP) and entertainment content providers affected by rampant only piracy, the new Copyright Alert System (CAS) recently went into effect to prevent the illegal sharing of movies, music, games and other copyrighted items across the web.
Jill Lesser, Executive Director of the Center of Copyright Information (CCI), announced the “implementation phase” of the CAS in a blog post on Monday. The system has seen multiple delays since its inception in 2011, which, according to CNET, was meant to go live last November. Nevertheless, the system is effectively live right now.
Users who are identified to be illegally sharing such copyrighted materials will receive a CAS alert, informing them of their activity and requesting them to desist the illegal action. Subsequently, if the user is frequently alerted but does not comply, their ISP will “take steps that temporarily affect that subscriber’s internet experience,” according to the CCI website.
Internet Downgrades, Removal, Mandatory ‘Education’ for Violators
Possible actions listed are a reduction in internet speed, a temporary downgrade in service or a complete restriction, requiring the user to contact the ISP or complete “an online copyright education,” It’s a bit like getting a speeding ticket one too many times.
While proponents say this system will allow for punishment without wild financial consequences for both parties, the real crux of the system comes in the identification of users who are participating in the illegal activity. The burden lies on the content providers alone, who will scour websites and peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, collect the IP address of those they determine are stealing their music, video games, movies, book or whatever else, and deliver that information to the appropriate ISP.
After that it’s up to the ISP to deliver the alert and proper punishment based solely on the number of alerts delivered up to that point. The disconnect between the ISP’s responsibilities and the responsibilities of the content providers is there for a reason. The CAS was reportedly delayed due to the ISPs reluctance to disconnect their users against their will, according to CNET. A reluctance that has apparently dissipated or been placated up to this point.
AT&T, Cablevision, Verizon, Time Warner Cable and Comcast comprise the group alongside the CCI to initiate the program. CCI is also partnered with content providers such as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) as well as independent filmmakers and record producers represented by the Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA) and the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM),” according to the CCI website.
Category: Internet Freedom
