AT&T to be first ISP to start combating piracy

Media companies have realized the near impossibility of attempting to sue each individual that downloads illegal music and other media. Instead, their new anti-piracy plan involves enlisting the help of Internet service providers to combat the issue. AT&T will be the first ISP to work alongside the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to stop online piracy.

AT&T is now in the process of sending takedown notices to subscribers accused of pirating music. This is still in the testing phase and AT&T has not yet determined how the process of dealing with offenders will work. Currently, the letter will mention the severity of downloading illegal content, but not threaten to discontinue services.

The RIAA had announced a couple of months ago that they have reached agreements with multiple ISPs, but have yet to release an official list of names. They have stated their goal is to have repeat offenders lose internet service, at the very least on a temporary basis. However, ISPs have been wary of following through with this plan, especially since this would mean a lost of income for them.

Read: [CNET]