Sudden change of heart for ISP Karoo

In a surprise move the Internet Service Provider Karoo has announced that it is changing its policy with regards to the immediate suspension of users that are through to have breached copyright regulations.

It was recently reported that the Hull based Internet Service Provider Karoo was terminating the services of users without warning if the users were suspected of illegal file sharing and violation of copyright laws. However, following the report the ISP has now allegedly decided to change its policy with regards to the no-notice termination of user accounts and will be adopting a fairer policy instead.

According to report Karoo has decided to adopt the more familiar ‘three strikes’ policy, where a number of warnings will first be issued to those found to be breaching copyright before the service is terminated. This is a policy that a number of broadband providers have been considering and have even used recently, with mounting pressure from the entertainment industry to stop illegal file sharing, which is costing the industry a fortune in lost revenue.

Nick Thompson, director of consumer and publishing services at Karoo, stated: “We have always taken a firm line on the alleged abuse of our internet connections. However, we continually review our policies and procedures to reflect own customers’ changing needs and evolving use of the internet. It is evident that we have been exceeding the expectations of copyright owners, the media and internet users. So, we have changed our policy to move in more line with the industry standard approach.”

One customer who had her account terminated without notice was pleased about the changes. She said: “They gave me a form to sign to get reconnected. The form basically said ‘if I admit my guilt you’ll reconnect me’. So I didn’t sign it and walked out. I’m still a bit upset about it, but it’s an improvement that they’ve done that – rather than just zero chance for any negotiation or to put your case across.”

Source – http://news.bbc.co.uk