cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/37157681
The battle over a $1 billion piracy judgment against internet provider Cox Communications has reached the Supreme Court, where the company receives broad support. Amicus briefs from the U.S. government, major tech companies, and various other parties, warn that the current ruling creates a dangerous precedent. They argue that the Fourth Circuit ruling, which makes passive service providers liable for their customers’ actions, invokes broad liability and puts people’s internet access at risk.
So my question is, do we want ISPs to be liable? If they are, they will be more likely to cut alleged pirates off. If they aren’t, then a legal door is open for the rights holders to go after individuals directly.
Oh, hell no.
You do not want the ISPs to be the cops. They are a neutral provider that gives basic Internet access. If that access is to be terminated, it should be done by a court, and there should be a police case.
Having the ISP’s doxx the users is an unfavorable but more proper answer. But every one of those should be a court case at least. Innocent until proven guilty, not just shut down because they think you might be guilty.