Are you among the lucky few who have access to super speedy Internet thanks to Google Fiber being available in your area? Have you been taking advantage of the service to download illegal content?
If you answered yes, then you're likely in trouble as you could be in line to pay piracy fines.
Google Fiber is reportedly sending out copyright infringement notices to subscribers as the company itself may have been notified either by the copyright owner or its "authorized representative" of violations of subscribers.
The notice, however, also reveals Google Fiber has not shared any of the details pertaining to the user with the aggrieved party. It also reiterates that Google Fiber's terms of service prohibit the use of the Internet service for any unlawful activities.
"Repeated violations of our Terms of Service may result in remedial action being taken against your Google Fiber account, up to and including possible termination of your service," warns Google Fiber in the notice.
Copyright holders can demand settlements that could go up to hundreds of dollars. These notices also serve as automated fines and propose that subscribers make settlements that range from $20 to $300.
While it is common for Google to receive DMCA takedown requests from copyright holders frequently, notices for piracy by subscribers are also becoming more common since Google Fiber's rollout has become more widespread.
However, unlike other companies, such as AT&T and Verizon, Google has surprisingly chosen to forward these emails to consumers. Verizon and AT&T, on the other hand, choose not to forward settlement email demands in the interest of the consumer.
One of the notices sent by Google Fiber on behalf of music company BMG reads that the latter will "pursue every available remedy including injunctions and recovery of attorney's fees, costs and any and all other damages which are incurred by BMG as a result of any action that is commenced against you."
Such a threatening tone in a notice will likely propel many to shell out the settlement fee indicated instead of being embroiled in a legal battle.
In December 2014, a leaked presentation suggested that Sony Pictures Entertainment and Warner Bros. were of the opinion that once Google Fiber became widespread, the faster Internet speeds offered by the service would lead to a loss of several billion dollars for the entertainment sector.
The studios conducted a survey in 2012 on Google Fiber and its probable side effects after its rollout. The survey was carried out in Kansas City, which was the first to get Google Fiber access, and revealed that nearly 31 percent of the people were keen on pirating video content.
Nearly one-third of the 31 percent said they stream or download additional content using Google Fiber. Alarmingly, 26 percent of the non-pirates said once Google Fiber became available, they too would begin to do so.
Notices on copyright infringement that demand money from subscribers can be misleading as the one who pays the bill is often under the illusion that he or she is responsible for the unlawful activities. This, however, is not true. ISPs would do better to review the information being forwarded to their user.
Photo: Nicolas Raymond | Flickr
