Broadband providers welcome Australian file-sharing ruling

Friday, February 5th 2010

UK broadband providers, including TalkTalk, have welcomed news that an Australian internet firm is not being held responsible for users' downloading.

Broadband providers welcome Australian file-sharing ruling

UK broadband firms have welcomed the news that an Australian court has ruled that a broadband operator in the nation cannot be held responsible for the actions of illegal filesharers.

Perth-based iiNet was being sued by more than 30 film and TV studios for allowing internet users to download copyrighted material. However, Justice Dennis Cowdroy ruled that the firm could not be liable for the downloading habits of its customers.

"iiNet is not responsible if an iiNet user uses that system to bring about copyright infringement... the law recognises no positive obligation on any person to protect the copyright of another," he said.
While the ruling has no direct impact on UK law, broadband providers including TalkTalk have welcomed the news.

In a statement TalkTalk said: "This judgment means that basic consumer and human rights in Australia will be upheld," reports the Guardian.

The broadband provider is currently fighting against the UK's digital economy bill which if passed will see internet firms having to cut off persistent file-sharers.