Supreme Court rejects Sony's attempt to kick music pirates off the Internet
4 hours ago
- #ISP Liability
- #Copyright Infringement
- #Supreme Court
- Supreme Court ruled ISPs cannot be held liable for customers’ copyright infringement unless they take specific steps causing infringement.
- Unanimous decision favored Cox Communications, though two justices disagreed with the reasoning.
- Ruling prevents ISPs from mass-terminating users accused of piracy and avoids strict network policing under DMCA.
- Case involved Cox Communications v. Sony Music Entertainment, with a $1 billion verdict overturned in 2024.
- Court rejected Sony’s claims, stating Cox is not liable for users’ infringement.
- Justice Clarence Thomas emphasized liability requires intent or tailored service for infringement.
- Majority opinion supported by Roberts, Alito, Kagan, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett.
- Sotomayor and Jackson concurred but disagreed with the extent of liability limitation.