forwardone
07-26-09, 09:41 AM
INTERNET users face having their connection cut if they share files illegally, under a controversial "three strikes and out policy".
Karoo, which has 90,000 customers in the Hull area, where it is the only internet service provider (ISP), had been cutting users' internet connections immediately and without warning if they were found to be in breach of copyright.
It has now been forced to relax its stance after growing criticism from digital rights groups and customers.
Karoo will now provide customers with three written warnings before temporarily suspending the internet connections of illegal file-sharers, having admitted it was "exceeding the expectations of copyright owners".
The tough policy remains controversial and significantly harsher than that of other UK ISP providers, which have been reluctant to crack down on illegal file-sharers and only recently agreed to send warning letters to persistent offenders.
Cathy Philips, head of corporate communications, said: "We have taken a very firm line in the past and, having listened to all the comments on the issue, we have decided to change our policy with immediate effect."
news.scotsman.com
Karoo, which has 90,000 customers in the Hull area, where it is the only internet service provider (ISP), had been cutting users' internet connections immediately and without warning if they were found to be in breach of copyright.
It has now been forced to relax its stance after growing criticism from digital rights groups and customers.
Karoo will now provide customers with three written warnings before temporarily suspending the internet connections of illegal file-sharers, having admitted it was "exceeding the expectations of copyright owners".
The tough policy remains controversial and significantly harsher than that of other UK ISP providers, which have been reluctant to crack down on illegal file-sharers and only recently agreed to send warning letters to persistent offenders.
Cathy Philips, head of corporate communications, said: "We have taken a very firm line in the past and, having listened to all the comments on the issue, we have decided to change our policy with immediate effect."
news.scotsman.com