BitTorrent Downloads Tracked By ISPs According To Technology Law
Household in Australia face the prospect of having their ISP disconnect or suspend their Internet service if they pirate films or music online. According to technology law, the film industry claims that one in every three Australians has committed movie theft via BitTorrent downloads, causing over a billion in losses.
The industry is attempting to hold ISPs legally accountable for the actions of consumers who use these services to download illegal content. While a Federal Court has dismissed a recent case against the ISP iiNet, the judgment held open the possibility that ISPs could be required in the future to act against users who can be verified as infringing copyrights. Film studios are contracting with firms who monitor IP addresses and BitTorrent activity online, and the ISPs could be required to send warning notices or even terminate those IP addresses suspected of infringement based on their monitored activity.