Online music swapper to be revealed, rules judge

By Alun Williams

Posted on 22 Jan 2003 at 15:12

An American Judge has sided with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) over a test case of online music swapping.

The US telco Verizon Communications has been ordered to reveal the identity of one of its subscribers who is suspected of making available online hundreds of copies of music tracks.

The RIAA has argued that it has the right to make ISPs reveal information about their subscribers, without the copyright holder being required to file a suit. Verizon's counter-argument was that the privacy of users would be violated.

Judge John D. Bates, of the Federal District Court in Washington, yesterday found in favour of the RIAA, reports the New York Times. Verizon's position 'would create a huge loophole in Congress's effort to prevent copyright infringement on the Internet,' the judge is reported as saying.

Verizon is to appeal the ruling.

Last week a number of 'anti-piracy' bodies - including RIAA - announced co-ordinated action to prevent the 'illegal' copying of music and computer software.

Similarly, the European equivalent of RIAA - the IFPI - has been arguing that ISPs must carry some responsibility for any illegal file swapping activities of their users.