Hollywood sues computer server operators in major anti-piracy move


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Major Hollywood studios on Tuesday announced scores of lawsuits against computer server operators worldwide, including eDonkey, BitTorrent and DirectConnect networks, for allowing trading of pirated movies.

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), which represents seven major Hollywood studios, publicized the lawsuits against more than 100 server operators across four continents and took criminal actions in three countries.

"The operators of these servers exercise total control over which files are included on their servers and even determine if some kinds of files aren't allowed," said John Malcolm, MPAA's senior vice president and director of worldwide anti-piracy operations.

"For instance, some operators won't post pornography on their systems, but they have no compunction allowing illegal files of copyrighted movies and TV shows to flow through their servers. We are moving to stop that. The message today is clear: if you illegally trade movies online, we can find you and we will hold you accountable," Malcolm said.

BitTorrent, DirectConnect and eDonkey are newer peer-to-peer (P2P) file-trading networks that are becoming more popular. These networks targeted by these actions have helped online pirates swap hundreds of millions of illegal copies of movies and TV programs.

The MPAA sues over 100 server operators in the United States and Britain, and law enforcement agencies in France, the Netherlands and Finland undertook criminal actions Tuesday, Malcolm said.

In countries where it is allowed, Internet service providers were also asked to end the practice service if they are hosting eDonkey "servers" and DirectConnect "hubs."

"Today's actions not only will protect creativity but also will bolster the nascent legitimate online market for motion picture distribution," said MPAA president and CEO Dan Glickman.

"The film industry believes digital delivery of entertainment holds great promise, if we can protect it from thieves long enough to give it a chance to grow. Our member companies are developing and supporting technologies that provide movie fans convenient, affordable and accessible ways to view great films," he said.

This was the latest steps taken in MPAA's crackdown on online targeting individual users who allegedly violated copyrights by downloading movies on traditional P2P networks.

The MPAA, which estimates the annual loss from movie piracy at 3 billion US dollars, has already sued about 200 individuals in the US for illegally pirating and swapping copyrighted movies.

On Nov. 24, the MPAA won the first anti-piracy lawsuit against a Web site which charged customers for downloading pirated movies, as a court ordered the site to pay 23.8 million dollars in fines.


Article submitted by: Redhot_2oo3
Last Update: 12-15-2004
Category: News

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