Court Orders Verizon to Disclose File Swapper's Identity

A federal court ordered that Verizon Online must disclose the identity of one of its Internet access customers whom the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) suspects of sharing copyrighted music files. Verizon said: "The court's decision has troubling ramifications for consumers, service providers and the growth of the Internet. It opens the door for anyone who makes a mere allegation of copyright infringement to gain complete access to private subscriber information without the due process protections afforded by the courts. This case will have a chilling effect on private communications, such as e-mail, surfing the Internet or the sending of files between private parties." An appeal is expected.
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