The ability to upload content has resulted in a number of file sharing amongst Internet users. However, some Internet users are abusing their right to upload content by sharing copyright material. This has affected many business industries with the music industry being perhaps the most common example.
Users that upload copyright material and making it publicly available can be traced through their IP address, details of which are accessible from their ISP. With evidence not too far away it is possible for owners of copyright products to take legal action against suspected file sharers.
In order for proceedings to begin, the evidence needs to be given or collected from the ISP by the copyright owner that is prosecuting. However, customer as confidential customer information is protected by the data protection act and can only be disclosed on the grounds of what is stated in the act.
The European Court of Justice has ruled that ISPs do not have to disclose personal data of those sharing files over their networks in civil cases.
Recently the peer-to-peer website Pirate Bay has reached headlines as arrests were made due to accusations of infringements of copyright laws.
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