The Supreme Court is hearing a case that could wreck your internet. It involves Cox Communications and a massive lawsuit from big record labels like Sony, Universal, and Warner. The labels say Cox knew its customers were pirating tons of songs but refused to cut them off, even with a manager telling staff to ignore copyright law.
A previous jury hit Cox with a billion-dollar verdict for helping piracy happen. An appeals court ordered a new trial, meaning damages could jump to 1.5 billion. Cox argues that holding them responsible would force them to disconnect huge numbers of people, from homes to coffee shops. The justices seem unsure about where to draw the line.
During arguments, Justice Sotomayor noted Cox's lax approach likely pissed off the jury, comparing it to a gun dealer selling to a known murderer. Other justices questioned what would motivate an ISP to stop piracy if it faced no legal risk. A ruling is expected by next summer.
A previous jury hit Cox with a billion-dollar verdict for helping piracy happen. An appeals court ordered a new trial, meaning damages could jump to 1.5 billion. Cox argues that holding them responsible would force them to disconnect huge numbers of people, from homes to coffee shops. The justices seem unsure about where to draw the line.
During arguments, Justice Sotomayor noted Cox's lax approach likely pissed off the jury, comparing it to a gun dealer selling to a known murderer. Other justices questioned what would motivate an ISP to stop piracy if it faced no legal risk. A ruling is expected by next summer.
