Internet Service Providers' Liability for Copyright Infringement

摘要

The liability of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) is one of the legal issues that lacks deep analysis by authors.1 The ISP liability for digital piracy committed through ISP lines is becoming one of the most debated issues around the world.2 In order to access material stored in the World Wide Web, one needs in most cases to connect through an ISP. An ISP is an intermediary through which contents can be obtained from their electronic storage (the web). ISPs are instrumental players in cyberspace. The internet consists of a network that links many websites for the purpose of exchanging information. In order for any person to access such a network, he must find means of connection. Although, it is possible to connect to the internet directly, the cost barrier is substantial. As such, most individuals and small businesses choose to connect through ISPs. This service is usually available through subscription for a fixed monthly fee. The ISP will provide its subscribers with the ability to connect to the internet through the ISP server and will host the subscribers' internet web pages.3 Moreover, all subscribers' information traffic will travel through the ISP corridors.