EFF Seeks to Protect Rights of BitTorrent Users

SAN FRANCISCO — The Electronic Frontier Foundation has filed an amicus brief asking an Illinois judge to throw out subpoenas related to mass BitTorrent lawsuits, which join thousands of defendants together in an effort to secure a financial settlement.

The EFF, which filed the 37-page brief at U.S. District Court in Chicago, said it wants to stop content owners and attorneys from targeting the alleged file sharers in what the foundation calls “predatory” lawsuits because they violate the defendant’s rights.

“Copyright owners have a right to protect their works, but they can’t use shoddy and unfair tactics to do so,” said Corynne McSherry, EFF intellectual property director.

“We’re asking the court to protect the rights of each and every defendant, instead of allowing these copyright trolls to game the system.”

The EFF is asking the court to grant two John Doe motions to quash relating to the suit filed last September by First Time Videos targeting 500 defendants.

First Time Videos, which operates FTVCash.com, claims content from its flagship site, FTVGirls.com, was poached.

EFF’s amicus brief said, “This case is one of a growing number of other mass copyright lawsuits that are being filed across the country, which have to date affected over 75,000 people nationwide, raise serious problems of fairness, due process and individual justice.”

The brief also said that plaintiff’s lawyers hope to “take advantage of the threat of an award of statutory damages and attorney’s fees, the ignorance of those sued about their potential defenses, as well as the stigma that is associated with downloading pornographic movies.”

This is the second time the EFF has filed an amicus brief related to BitTorrent copyright lawsuits.

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Niki Media Acquires BritSexCash

Production studio Niki Media BV has acquired affiliate program BritSexCash.

Agatha Vega: From Venezuela to Venerated Vixen

Agatha Vega was brought up in a small neighborhood in Caracas, Venezuela, a city known for its urban dangers. Yet despite her surroundings, she says, she had very positive experiences growing up. With various relatives living in close proximity, she was always able to enjoy the company of her family.

Kylie LeBeau Makes Her Hookup Hotshot Debut

Kylie LeBeau has made her Hookup Hotshot (HUHS) debut alongside studio honcho Bryan Gozzling.

Vixen Media Group Extends Exclusive Contract With Dan Damage

Vixen Media Group has renewed its exclusive contract with Dan Damage.

FSC Warns of Nude Photography Site Falsely Claiming Affiliation With Organization

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) published a statement Friday warning of a nude art photography website fraudulently claiming to be associated with the industry trade organization.

Evil Angel to Drop JD's 'Transgressive 24'

Evil Angel debuts the 24th volume of director JD’s “Transgressive.”

Connie Perignon Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Connie Perignon stars with Jordi El Nino Polla in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "The Sneaky Masseur."

Sinatra Monroe Has 'A Classy Affair' in Ricky's Room

Sinatra Monroe stars in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "A Classy Affair."

MojoHost Reaffirms Commitment to Adult Industry Amid Project 2025 Implications

In the wake of Tuesday's election and amid concerns about the possible ramifications for the adult industry, MojoHost President Brad Mitchell has releases a statement addressing Project 2025 and the future of the industy.

TeamSkeet Debuts New Series 'PervMassage'

Fanta Sie stars with Erick Everhard in the first episode of the new TeamSkeet series, “PervMassage."

Show More