If the Recording Industry Comes Knocking…

Like many Americans, you may have heard of peer-to-peer (P2P) networks like Napster, Kazaa, or Morpheus.  Through such networks, users exchange files—which can include music, movies, software programs, or other data.  Some of the files traded over P2P networks include copyright-protected songs, which has the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) up in arms. 

In June of 2003, the RIAA announced plans to sue individual consumers who were offering a substantial number of copyright-protected songs through P2P networks.   Since July of 2003, the RIAA has begun filing lawsuits for copyright infringement, which seek civil penalties up to $150,000 per song.

If you have used P2P filesharing networks to download music, you may receive a letter from the RIAA.  The legal costs for an individual battling the RIAA could be devastating.

Copyright infringement violates acceptable use policy

As your Internet Service Provider, we will protect your privacy to the extent we are able, provided by law.  However, we will not protect you if you are violating our Acceptable Use Policy, which includes a statement that we do not condone illegal activities online, including copyright infringement.

If you have been downloading music using P2P networks and are concerned, we have some advice for you:

Stop sharing unauthorized files

• Remove all potentially infringing files in your shared folder
  
  
• Disable the "sharing" or "uploading" features on your P2P application that allow other users on the network to get copies of files from your computer or scan your music directories

RIAA's "Clean Slate" program offers amnesty

The RIAA is offering amnesty to individuals who think they may have illegally downloaded music using a P2P network.  As part of the program, if you meet the conditions of the program, you may be eligible to receive protection from prosecution.  Some conditions of the Clean Slate program include:

• Destroying all copyrighted recordings that you downloaded to your computer using a P2P network - and all copies you have of those files
  
  
• Promising not to illegally download copyrighted recordings using P2P networks in the future
  
  
• Promising not to share copyrighted recordings using P2P networks

If you want to participate in the Clean Slate program, visit the RIAA Web site.

If we are subpoenaed for your information

A recent ruling against Verizon made it clear that ISPs must provide subscriber information when subpoenaed.  If we receive a subpoena requesting your subscriber information, we will first contact you.