The Supreme Court has overturned a decision that could have forced internet service providers (ISPs) to kick off suspected piracy offenders, protecting companies like Grande Communications.
This ruling follows similar action against Cox Communications last month, where the court established that ISPs are not liable for merely providing services knowing some users might pirate content. The key is in doing enough.
In October 2024, record labels won a case against Grande Communications when the 5th Circuit ruled they could be held responsible for contributory copyright infringement due to their failure to prevent piracy. However, this decision was based on an old precedent that is now being reconsidered.
The Supreme Court’s two-sentence ruling grants Grande’s petition and sends the case back to the 5th Circuit for further consideration. This could mean millions in damages are avoided, but at what cost to consumer rights?
