Andre Yoskowitz
30 Jan 2009 15:29
Ireland's largest ISP Eircom has settled with the Big 4 labels EMI, Sony, Universal and Warner, and has agreed to disconnect customers who download unauthorized music.
The ISP was sued in March by the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA) and the record labels wanted Eircom to "install software from a U.S. firm to detect the 'fingerprint' of copyrighted music files being sent on its network."
Eircom instead agreed to disconnect users using a "three strikes you're out" rule, giving two email warnings before shutting off their Internet connection. No "footprint" software will be used by the ISP itself.
IRMA will forward the IP addresses of alleged pirates to the ISP which will then be in charge of sending out warning emails.
"High Court proceedings ... have been settled on an amicable basis with both sides expressing satisfaction with the outcome," Eircom said.
"The record companies have agreed that they will take all necessary steps to put similar agreements in place with all other Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Ireland."