15,000 Suspected Pirates to be Getting Letters From Lawyers
It’s no surprise that often internet service providers receive legal letters with regard to customers pirating software, film, or even video games. But that’s all they are — letters. There often aren’t any severe consequences, and many just discontinue their illegal actions when it comes to peer-to-peer sharing.
Not the case in the UK, this time around. The BBC is reporting that 15,000 suspected internet pirates may soon be receiving more than threat letters from lawyers. They’ll be receiving the demand to “settle” their wrongdoings by putting up a few hundred dollars. If the suspect refuses to pay the fine, they’ll be taken to an English court in which they’ll likely be obligated to pay thousands of dollars in fines.
Already, there’s outrage over this news. While the legal teams are calling it an easy way for pirates to pay their dues, pirates (and non-pirating folks, too) are simply calling this a hit-and-run attack. That is to say that those suspected of pirating are thrown up against the wall with little leeway.
Unethical as it may be, fines will range from $500 to $830 USD, which even more so puts those suspected in a tighter place. Many will simply have no choice but to pay up to avoid taking the accusations to a court. Others are simply too embarrassed to take it to court, as we’re learning a good part of the 15,000 suspected pirates were downloading copyright-protected pornography.
What do you think on this matter?
