I got a letter from my ISP today that had a section that disturbed me somewhat, and I'd like to share it with you all....
Regarding Copyright Infringement: As an ISP provider, it has
been brought to our attention that some of our customers have
reproduced, distributed or transmitted unauthorized copies of
copyrighted motion pictures in violation of Title 17 of the Copyright
Act US Code Section 106(3). This conduct may also violate the laws
of other countries, international law, and/or treaty obligations.
Most of the unauthorized distribution of said material has occurred
thru a "peer-to-peer" service. "Peer-to-peer" service involves
two persons transferring information (in this case copyrighted movies)
from one computer to another. This situation is also being closely
monitored and anyone who may be participating in this activity should
cease immediately.
Hmmmmm....could it be that my ISP has gotten a letter from Hilary and Co. or are they politely warning me of the changing climate that was caused by last weeks Verizon ruling? Regardless of the cause, I am disturbed by the mention of the word "monitored"....it gives me a creepy Orwellian type of feeling if you know what I mean. I pay my ISP for 768/128 ADSL service (though due to my proximity to the DSLAM it tends to be a bit quicker), a 24/7 connection with no specified limitations on traffic. I tend to feel what I do and/or where I go is MY business. So, for that matter, is whatever software I use and yet here I have an ISP implying that there is an entire GENERE that is now illegal for me to use. Does ISP now stand for Internet Service Police?