Contact:
Newsfox Desk
Phone: + 43 - 1 - 811 40 - 319
E-Mail: editor@newsfox.com
| Pressbox | 
|
Washington (pte031/26.06.2003/16:01) - The US music lobby RIAA http://www.riaa.com is taking a new approach in its crackdown on online piracy. In the future the organisation also plans to file suits against the users of download exchange sites, as announced today, Thursday.
The legal action will mainly target consumers who exchange large amounts of music files on peer-to-peer networks.
RIAA president Cary Sherman says his organisation can no longer simply stand by and watch as the phenomenon continues, because it is having a devastating effect on artists, musicians, song writers, sales firms and other members of the music industry http://www.riaa.com/news/newsletter/062503.asp .
According to the music association, the first round of suits, which will be launched in August, could involve thousands of users.
Sherman has pronounced a clear warning to those who exchange pirated songs, reminding them that the law is clear on the illegality of their actions.
To collect evidence, the RIAA plans to scan the directories of peer-to-peer networks with special software to locate the worst culprits. Internet service providers will then be forced to reveal the name and address behind each IP address, as permitted by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
Several well-known artists have pledged their support of the new, tougher measures, including Richard Carpenter, Shakira, Mandy Moore and The Dixie Chicks.
(end)
|
|
