Comcast, Verizon Begin Piracy-Prevention Program
By Ian Bush
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Last fall, we told you that Internet Service Providers like Comcast and Verizon were teaming up with the music and movie industries in a new kind of crackdown on copyright infringement. This week, that program is getting underway.
Comcast and Verizon still aren't talking specifics, but we reported last year on leaked documents that showed some ISPs were working on a six-strikes policy.
Say you're downloading 'Breaking Bad' using a torrent. That activity would be red-flagged, and your Internet provider would email or call to tell you what's wrong and point you toward legal ways to get that show.
Further violations would force you to take an online course about infringement before you can continue surfing.
After that, you'll be dropped to near dial-up speeds for a couple days or pay to have an arbitrator review your case.
There's no plug pulled, but repeat offenders risk a lawsuit from the recording and motion picture industry associations.
