ISPs look at new scheme to tackle anti-piracy

A coalition of Internet Service Providers has released new proposals designed to help tackle the ongoing problem with internet piracy in Australia.

For some years now, internet piracy has been a huge problem in Australia and in other countries around the world, resulting in fierce debates and controversy between campaign groups, authorities, broadband and Internet providers and copyright holders. A range of solutions have been suggested and even tried in an attempt to get this issue sorted out but this piracy continues today.

It has now been reported that a coalition of internet service providers has released new proposals with regards to helping to tackle the continued problem with Internet piracy in Australia. The five ISPs involved are Telstra, Optus, Primus, Internode and iiNet.

The ISPs are working with groups such as the Communications Alliance and the Internet Industry Association with regards to the Notice Scheme, which has been outlined in a discussion paper that can be viewed on the Communications Alliance website. In the event that consumers’ broadband connections are identified as being involved in piracy educational and warning notices will be sent out. Once the user has received three warnings and one education notice warnings will be sent out stating that the consumer’s personal details could be subpoenaed by the copyright holder.

Communication Alliance CEO, John Stanton, said: “We believe the Notice Scheme can greatly reduce online copyright infringement in Australia, while protecting consumer rights, educating consumers about how to access legal online content and helping Rights Holders to protect their rights.”