They've been talking about doing this for ages (and in Canada too).
Since the government can't figure out how to regulate it, can't figure out how to police it, they do this...they tell the ISPs it's their keesters on the line. If a user on their service is doing illegal activity it's up to the ISP to find them and stop them. Failure to do so is becoming 'an accomplice' and they're threatening to go after the ISPs for the copyright fees and illegal activities.
Working for an ISP I can tell you...I can do exactly what they ask. Filter the hell outta the net, and cut off anyone in the wrong. We're in a far better position to enforce the law, we have the tools and knowledge to do it...but we're not cops. I don't give two ****s what users do (besides kiddie porn, that's gross and you need to diaf). I get "User has violated copyright law" emails all day, every day. I have NO legal obligation (at this point) to work as Paramount or MGM's cop. So I just delete this crap, and users go on oblivious.
That's your choice, we're providing the medium. If you make a bunch of prank phone calls, it's not the phone companies fault, the government can't go after them for not stopping the person using the phone. I don't get why it's different with computers...
If the cops come in with a warrant for customer information, I will provide the information. Aside from that, I will not give out client info even to police officers, and I will not work for other companies to police the internet. I hope that attitude never changes...but it sure feels like it's about to.
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There's some delight in ale and wine,
And some in girls with ankles fine,
But my delight, yes, always mine,
Is to dance with Jak o' the Shadows.
