The Supreme Court has ruled that internet service providers cannot be held responsible for their users' copyright infringements unless they actively participate. This means no more mass user bans.
The decision, which saw the court unanimously side with Cox Communications against Sony Music Entertainment, could have far-reaching implications for how internet giants handle piracy allegations under US law.
Chief Justice Clarence Thomas stated that a company is only liable if it intends to facilitate or induces infringement. The ruling effectively says ISPs are merely facilitators and not direct participants in copyright violations.
This landmark decision means Cox, which faced a $1 billion lawsuit for alleged music piracy, has been cleared of liability. Other internet service providers may now face less stringent legal obligations in similar cases.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor's concurring opinion suggested the ruling could be too narrow, but she agreed with the court that Cox is not liable for its users' infringements.
