Irish ISPs Rally Against Anti-Piracy Measure

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

20 March 2009

The Internet Service Providers Association of Ireland (ISPAI) has hit back at claims it is allowing individuals to abuse the copyright laws surrounding certain aspects of digital media.

In a statement countering the letters sent to the ISPAI by several recording companies, the body's General Manager Paul Durrant explained:

"Internet Service Providers in Ireland have recently received letters threatening legal action from solicitors representing four major music recording companies. This legal action is spurious and there is no evidence of wrong-doing by Internet Service Providers. These actions could impact on user privacy, damage the development of new internet services, and hurt Ireland's standing as an e-Commerce hub."

Mr Durrant went on to remark:

The ISPAI and its members have never condoned the use of its members’ services for theft of copyrighted works of any kind, and continue to operate within the existing legal framework which has provisions for taking action where appropriate."

"Over two years ago, the ISPAI initiated meetings with the relevant music industry representative body to explore the issues but this was not followed up by the music industry. Irish copyright law provides an avenue for the pursuit of people breaching copyright through the courts. ISPAI members will continue to co-operate fully within these existing legal parameters," he added, continuing:

"Privacy of user communications is protected in European and Irish legislation. ISPs can not be expected to ignore these merely because it does not suit another private party. To do so would breach the privacy of our users as well as having serious implications for the continued location of international e-business in this country and the jobs these generate."

"The ISPAI is disappointed that the great potential of the internet, to provide opportunities to connect with users in new ways and develop new business models, is being missed by the music recording industry. The Internet has revolutionized countless other services where consumers have benefited from any-time accessibility, wider choice and reduced prices."

Concluding the statement, Durrant said:

"We continue to be open to working with content owners in an industry where innovative new services are rapidly developing."

Recommended