Possibly being sued over downloads/copyright infringement

[Kristoff]

After calling my ISP (Fuse/Zoomtown) about not being able to connect over the weekend, they told me very vaguely that my account was locked because of "copyright infringement". They directed me to a number to call regarding their copyright abuse policies. Called the number, got a prerecorded message, left my name and number for them to contact (which they said they would within 2 days).

So fucking hell's bells. If they ban and close my account, fine, but if there's a potential lawsuit involved, this could get really bad. I've defintely used Bittorrent to download an album here and there, so there is piracy involved. But as to what the potential damage could be and outcomes, I'm not sure.

Anyone have any experience with this sort of situation? Any ideas about where they may heading with this? Suggestions?

All are much appreciated,

 

[BIG BEAR]

This post was definitely not a great idea as it could be used against you IF you should happen to be summoned to appear in court.
Erase this and go find another ISP.
-BB

 

[norton9478]

It would be wise to not admit guilt....

 

[wizkid007]

I believe they only go after the people uploading things. Sounds like your isp is just getting threats and they closed your account based on some internal research. I wouldnt have phoned them and gave them your name and number. Let them contact you. All you did was give them ammo.

 

[Highlander67]

After calling my ISP (Fuse/Zoomtown) about not being able to connect over the weekend, they told me very vaguely that my account was locked because of "copyright infringement". They directed me to a number to call regarding their copyright abuse policies. Called the number, got a prerecorded message, left my name and number for them to contact (which they said they would within 2 days).

So fucking hell's bells. If they ban and close my account, fine, but if there's a potential lawsuit involved, this could get really bad. I've defintely used Bittorrent to download an album here and there, so there is piracy involved. But as to what the potential damage could be and outcomes, I'm not sure.

Anyone have any experience with this sort of situation? Any ideas about where they may heading with this? Suggestions?

All are much appreciated,

Like the others have said, never admit guilt. Self-Incrimination is never a good thing. As for them (as your ISP) claiming copy-right infringment, they wouldn't bust you for downloading an album here and there. Usually something of this nature is because of a continued use of downloading illegal content. Plus who's to say you don't already have the albums in your collection *Wink**Wink*.

 

[complexs6]

Big bear was right and dont download stuff anytime soon, by the way if you have massive pirated stuff get rid of it so you dont get in trouble for it all. But you shouldnt have called them wait for the letter in the mail if your going to get sued. I also hear uploaders are the ones who need to worry more than downloaders, if you have all your stuff still in the shared folder thats why they did what they did your uploading pirated stuff you need to download what you want and cut it out of the shared folder. Goodluck I hope its nothin.

 

[taitai]

I believe they only go after the people uploading things. Sounds like your isp is just getting threats and they closed your account based on some internal research. I wouldnt have phoned them and gave them your name and number. Let them contact you. All you did was give them ammo.

if they have a time, a date and an IP address, they can get all the information they'd need.

 

[neojedi]

I've defintely used Bittorrent to download an album here and there

That's all it takes. Bittorrent is not a download tool like FTP... it is an upload/download tool. From what limited use I've seen, every torrent refuses to let you download unless you choose the option to upload pieces of what you are downloading to other users. That being the case, all torrent users share the guilt of hosting the illegal material for others to download.

 

[racecar]

..probably just to scare you.....my friend get call from his cable internet company all the time telling him to stop downloading so much porn/bittorrent.. or they might cancel his subscribtion.... he still has the internet:chimp:

 

[gamejunkie]

Go grab stuff through the isp's news server. :chimp:

 

[GregN]

One of the few perks of dial up.

I had a buddy who got busted for DLing stuff. Apparently privacy laws don't apply to Internet usage. The next day the garbage outside his place was filled with CDRs full of stuff.

What amazes me is that big companies go after small fri individuals who DL here and there. You think they'd got after the pirates that distribute the stuff.

 

[OrochiEddie]

remove the files from your comp. Other than that dunno.

 

[gamejunkie]

What are they gonna do? Bust in your house all Swat team and shit just to swipe your hard drive? That's never going to happen. The best they can do is having your supposed IP on file.

Wait, you don't even know if you're being sued or not.... It's just your isp doesn't like you downloading. Switch isps.

 

[Mark of the Wolves]

New Hard Drive...

And this was nothing more than your ISP being contacted because you were uploading. Same thing happened to me (it was like umm BS though I DID NOT download Batman Begins!) Scare tactics. They shouldn't even know who you are unless your ISP tells them, and last time I checked they don't have to.

 

[wizkid007]

if they have a time, a date and an IP address, they can get all the information they'd need.

Right but calling them up and confirming your guilt is another issue. What im saying is that the isp probably blocked everyone out. And possibly handed over the information. In which they would only go after the initiators. Not the people who followed after. Giving them a call only encourages them to call you back.

 

[subcons]

Slightly interesting thread.

I've constantly got Bittorrent open as long as I'm not on Live. Between that and Soulseek, that's pretty much my substitute for Cable TV. Oh the droves of stuff I download. My Xbox is like my fucking Tivo now.

 

[jethrek]

While this has not happened to me, generally it is unlikely you will be sued. Most companies prefer to lock your account to get your attention. I know someone (honestly, I never did anything this dumb) you recieved an irate phone call after downloading Spirited Away...a film owned by Disney. Most of the time, a first warning is a slap on the wrist, not a lawsuit.

For the future, dont' do anything as dumb as my aforementioned friend, or whatever got you in trouble in the first place.

 

[johnroche]

One of the few perks of dial up.

I had a buddy who got busted for DLing stuff. Apparently privacy laws don't apply to Internet usage. The next day the garbage outside his place was filled with CDRs full of stuff.

What amazes me is that big companies go after small fri individuals who DL here and there. You think they'd got after the pirates that distribute the stuff.

I guess the thinking behind the "privacy laws don't apply" thing is that the Internet is considered a public place, so there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. I don't necessarily agree or disagree with this idea, but I can somewhat understand that line of thought.

As for why they don't go after the pirates, a lot of the people are outside of the country, and it's a massive hassle to go through the international proceedings (investigation, extradition, etc.). Plus, it's a lot easier to do a largely symbolic proceeding.

 

[FeelGood]

you fucked up on many occassions.

1st offense = downloading so much hentai.
2nd offense = calling them up like a bitch.
3rd offense = posting this guilt-ridden thread.


your solutions

1st step = ignore those greedy fucks that want you to stop sucking bandwidth.
2nd step = tell them to fuck off you bought all those cds and vids irl.
3rd step = when they swat storm your house take off all your clothes and run into the forest.

 

[EVIL NICK]

you fucked up on many occassions.

1st offense = downloading so much hentai.
2nd offense = calling them up like a bitch.
3rd offense = posting this guilt-ridden thread.


your solutions

1st step = ignore those greedy fucks that want you to stop sucking bandwidth.
2nd step = tell them to fuck off you bought all those cds and vids irl.
3rd step = when they swat storm your house take off all your clothes and run into the forest.

I bust out at that last one...