The "Copyright Alert System" went into effect two days ago, Feb 25th. This system, also called the "six strikes system", is meant to cut down on copyright infringement on the internet by targeting consumers rather than pirates. Media copyright groups such as the RIAA work in connection with several major internet providers, including AT&T, Cablevision, Verizon, Time Warner Cable, and Comcast, to monitor their customers for illegally downloading or sharing works on the internet. The copyright groups pay close attention to sharing sites such as BitTorrent. If they catch a person using one of these types of sites, the groups send a message to their internet provider. The provider can then send the customer an email warning them of their illegal usage. However, if the customer continues to visit the sites, the provider can use other tactics to deter them, such as playing a video before the user can access the site or slowing their internet connection.
Is this a fair system? Is it right to monitor and target the regular internet user?
Is this a fair system? Is it right to monitor and target the regular internet user?