Innocent users caught in file-sharing crackdown

 

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By Matthew Sparkes

Posted on 30 Oct 2008 at 09:53

Innocent internet users are being snared in a copyright crackdown and threatened with fines and court action, according to a Which? Computing report.

The investigation reveals that users who have never even played a computer game have been targeted and identified as illegal file-sharers, such as an Inverness couple targeted by Atari for distributing Race 07 online.

Gill and Ken Murdoch were offered the chance to pay £500 compensation and £25 costs, or the matter would go to court. Following the investigation by Which?, the matter has now been dropped by Atari's solicitors, Davenport Lyons.

The firm has been appointed by several development companies, and is using a third party business called Logistep to track down file-sharers. Several networks are being monitored by the company, including BitTorrent, eDonkey and Gnutella.

"It's outrageous that lawyers are falsely accusing people of illegally file-sharing and we think they should cut out the heavy-handed tactics. But consumers need to be aware of the dangers of having their computer address piggy-backed and take some basic steps to protect themselves," says Sarah Kidner, editor, of Which? Computing, who claims that hundreds of innocent people have received similar complaints from game companies.

The report gives tips on how to avoid falling victim to such claims, including protecting wireless internet connections, and adding parental controls so that children cannot download copyright material.

To read our report on whether accused file sharers can ignore demands for £600 from solicitors, click here.