http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/08/isps-agree-on-copyright-alert-system-plan-to-notify-you-to-dea/
The RIAA, MPAA, and several major ISP's haven gotten together to create a common framework for notifying Internet users when they've illegally downloaded content from the Internet. Users will get up to 6 warning emails, informing them that their account was used for downloading illegal content and try to educate them that it's wrong. After 6 warnings the ISP may impliment some sort of penalty measure such as reducing Internet speeds or requiring the user to contact the ISP.
They say ISPs will not hand over personal information to the RIAA/MPAA and will not necessarily terminate user accounts because of violations though (though it doesn't say they can't).
AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Cablevision are the ISP's involved. Credit was also given to the Governor of New York for helping organize this. New York, the wonderful state that brought us Internet Sales Tax, thanks again guys!
Fortunately my ISP, Cox, isn't on the list yet.
Actually I think I'm more scared of the Porn companies than I am of the RIAA or MPAA. Can you imagine getting sued for downloading "Big Breasted Asians Volume 53"? Not exactly something you'll want to defend against in court.
