I hate the MPAA, reasons inside

Arctures · 04-02-2008, 05:25 PM

On Sunday when I got back to school, I had been informed that my internet access has been revoked. The reason was due to a supposed violation of copyrighted material. I called the manager of the school's network and he says that someone, supposedly the MPAA, has filed a notice that I had been illegally downloading a film, specifically a theatrical rip of the new Rambo movie. They have 'my' IP address and 'my' MAC address as evidence (I never checked to see if they matched up or not). They have no way to check my bandwidth usage, but they do have access to information regarding which computers I've been connected with, although this information does not provide in what way the terminals are connected, such as P2P, AIM, etc.

I have two options: I can either admit to something I didn't do and get my internet privileges revoked for a month, or I can file a counter-notice. By doing the latter I am admitting that I am willing for whoever made the claim to take legal action, getting in contact with me, or even so much as filing a lawsuit against me for copyright infringement. If this happens, it will be the first time any sort of counter-notice will be made under the University of California system. They would have 10 days to get into contact with me, and according to the DMCA agent on campus, they are far less likely to sue me than the RIAA, but it's always a possibility.

My question to you legal masterminds in this bemani fansite: is all of this shit worth it? I'm stressed as shit and really don't want to deal with this, especially over something I have nothing to do with. I almost just want to give up, take the 30 day cut from my internet and move on, but I don't want to feel like I've been fucked by someone else for something I have no part in.

the anime lifestyle... · 04-02-2008, 06:10 PM

The legal fees would run you into the ground and the stress of the process would be even worse. Take the thirty day cut and use the library or someone else's account for access. :\

The Chemist · 04-02-2008, 07:34 PM

Agreed. Its a lot less stressful if you just admit to it. Although make sure your 30 day vacation is the ONLY consequence though.

Reenee · 04-02-2008, 07:44 PM

Let them fuckers know sharers are the bigger threat than downloaders and they should have a grand old time watching the bandwidth at night.

Arctures · 04-02-2008, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Chemist

Agreed. Its a lot less stressful if you just admit to it. Although make sure your 30 day vacation is the ONLY consequence though.

For a first offense, the 30 day cut is the only punishment. But I'd get put into some sort of dorm network record and a second offense would result in definite legal action. If someone has my information and is actively exploiting it then he/she/it would probably do so again. There's also the chance that they won't sue, but that's not something I see as very likely.

I honestly have no huge problem with taking the 30 day cut, I can still use the on-campus internet just fine. It's more of a principle thing that's doing it for me, because this wouldn't be the first time I've been screwed by someone for reasons that were not my own.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reenee

Let them fuckers know sharers are the bigger threat than downloaders and they should have a grand old time watching the bandwidth at night.

But the thing is they don't actively check bandwidth usage. All they can analyze are connections between terminals, whether it's P2P, AIM, Skype, etc.

shuniqLo · 04-02-2008, 08:09 PM

I don't see why you would have to "confess" to something you didn't do. Tell them to provide more solid proof that you did it. D:

the anime lifestyle... · 04-02-2008, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N3W5P4P3R M0N5T3R

I don't see why you would have to "confess" to something you didn't do. Tell them to provide more solid proof that you did it. D:

I'm sure they would be happy, to do so. In court.

Do not go to court over this

toast. · 04-02-2008, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadRoll

I'm sure they would be happy, to do so. In court.

Do not go to court over this

Good advice. You should still probably look into it yourself though. At least check to see if it was the same ip etc.

Reenee · 04-02-2008, 08:21 PM

Quote:

They have 'my' IP address and 'my' MAC address as evidence (I never checked to see if they matched up or not).

Ask them for it.

Actually, you probably might want to let them know that you have a roommate. You probably can't prove it was him but neither can they, correct? The best they could do is just let you off with a warning.

Also, connect through a proxy when this is all over.

Arctures · 04-02-2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reenee

Ask them for it.

Actually, you probably might want to let them know that you have a roommate. You probably can't prove it was him but neither can they, correct? The best they could do is just let you off with a warning.

Also, connect through a proxy when this is all over.

Not a great idea, since I'm using his computer and he's watching me.

*PSYCHO KILLER* · 04-02-2008, 09:02 PM

WARNING:

STOP DOWNLOADING MOVIES

WE HAVE UR IP AND MAC ADDRESSES

Arctures · 04-03-2008, 04:51 PM

Counter-noticed has been filled. Start the clock, I have 10 days for a response.

So it turns out that the person who filled the allegation only supplied an IP address, no MAC. This is probably better for me since IP addresses are easily stolen and masked.

Dear Santa · 04-03-2008, 06:25 PM

If they informed you that they have both and IP and MAC address and they lied and don't have the MAC address, and you get taken to court the case can be thrown out for perjury.

Dear Santa · 04-03-2008, 06:26 PM

that is after you get destroyed financially with court costs and everything else.

violate forum boredom · 04-03-2008, 06:33 PM

When this all ends, I recommend you read Free Culture. It explains how the current copyright system is specifically designed to screw over anyone the MPAA or the RIAA or anyone else like that sues and also tells the story of how someone in a slightly similar situation as you literally ended up losing everything he owned to the RIAA.