Jan, 2003 : Copyright Firm Challenges Australian ISPs

📅 January 15, 2003 - According to reports released this week, US-based digital copyright solutions company MediaForce sent letters to at least one Australian ISP, identifying a list of IP addresses it claims have been involved in distributing copyrighted material.

Apparently representing media company Warner Brothers, the letter requests that the IP addresses users be denied access and that their accounts be terminated.
ISPs identified in the reports suggest that they would be unlikely to comply the letter's requests, mainly because neither MediaForce nor Warner Brothers is a government body, and the service providers don't feel they can act as police in situations like these.
According to legal experts, it is uncertain whether MediaForce could bring legal action against an Australian ISP. While the law prohibits reproduction of copyrighted material, it may not directly impose responsibility on third parties. But if the ISPs are aware that the customer is using their services to infringe copyright, the ISPs may be liable.
While there has been some precedent in the US for such procedures, Australian courts don't enforce US law. MediaForce would be required to use regulatory channels, as Australian ISPs say they would not act without being directed by Australian government or police, out of concern for acting improperly.