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.
If ISPs decide to be liable, they know they’re going to seriously be hurting themselves in the long run. Because per every customer they cut who they assume and know is pirating, is lost profit. Say a customer is paying $100 for a premium plan, that’s a $100 loss right there. That can multiply the more they go on these witch hunts.