Verizon Refuses to Reveal Subscriber Details in BitTorrent Case

NEW YORK — Verizon is starting to refuse handing over names of subscribers accused of pirating content through BitTorrent networks.

One of the reasons given by Verizon to a recent BitTorrent plaintiff  is that the plantiff plans “to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation” by demanding such information for improper purposes.

The plaintiff in the controversy is a non-adult company, the John Wiley and Sons company,  publisher of the “For Dummies” books, which is suing those alleged to have traded some of its books online.

Wiley and Sons has been an active BitTorrent plaintiff, suing hundreds of John Does in the past year. The book publisher has been able to subpoena Internet service providers for the personal details of account holders numerous times in courts.

With those details, Wiley has been able to approach defendants and negotiate out-of-court settlements.

Most ISPs typically hand over the data with court-ordered subpoenas, but Verizon has balked in this case.

Verizon, in a response to Wiley, says that the book publisher is seeking “information that is protected from disclosure by third parties’ rights of privacy and protections guaranteed by the First Amendment.”

Wiley, which has agreed to compensate Verizon $45 for each subscriber it gives details about, has asked a federal judge to compel Verizon to respond to the subpoenas.

U.S. Judge Katherine Forrest has scheduled a telephone conference with parties on Monday to decide the matter.

View letter to judge

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.

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.

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.

Adult Web Hosting Service 'Midnight-Host' Launches

Midnight-Host, a new web hosting service designed specifically for adult websites, has launched.

ASN Lifestyle Magazine Joins Pineapple Support as Media Sponsor

ASN Lifestyle Magazine has joined the ranks of over 60 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support, partnering with the organization as a media sponsor.

Adult Industry Reacts to Trump Victory

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was reelected, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to reclaim the office he lost four years ago.

Fetisfy Online Fetish Marketplace Launches

Fetisfy.com, an online marketplace for users to sell fetish items, has launched.

Pineapple Support Launches 'Spill the Tea, Colombia' Community Support Event Series

Pineapple Support has launched "Spill the Tea, Colombia," a monthly, in-person community support event for adult industry professionals.

Streamster Launches 'Tip2Peep' Camera-Switching Feature

Live-streaming software provider Streamster has launched Tip2Peep, a new feature that allows viewers to switch between multiple webcam viewing angles by tipping the creator.

Tyler Wu Guests on Chaturbate's 'Sex Tales' Podcast

Tyler Wu is the latest guest on Chaturbate’s “Sex Tales” podcast, hosted by Melissa Stratton and Vanniall on the company’s “Camming Life” YouTube channel.

Show More