FC: Internet providers fret about being sued over copyright

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

http://news.com.com/2100-1023-957023.html

   ISPs gird for copyright fights
   By John Borland
   September 9, 2002, 4:00 AM PT

   A delicate detente is breaking down under pressure from peer-to-peer
   networks, placing two powerful industries on a collision course that
   could reshape the legal landscape for online file-swapping.

   Record companies and movie studios have long turned to Internet
   service providers for help in their battle against online piracy, but
   ISPs are beginning to balk at what they see as increasingly onerous
   demands to step up pressure against online copyright infringement.

   Last month saw a two-pronged expansion of that strategy, resulting in
   separate legal skirmishes between the record labels' trade
   association, Verizon Communications and a handful of large backbone
   service providers. Internet service providers now say they're
   increasingly concerned that their hard-won position of neutrality in
   the copyright wars is being undermined.

   [...]

   News.com's Declan McCullagh contributed to this report.




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