Sky ordered to block access to Newzbin

This isn’t the first time that filesharing sites have come under fire. Many media companies have set out to shut down sites and software that allow users to upload and share copyrighted content to other users. This has proved to be quite a difficult task, as some of these sites are hosted in countries where the sites cannot be taken down as easily as it would have been, if the site were hosted in a country that had stricter laws when it came to piracy and illegal downloading of music and video files.

One such filesharing site is Newzbin. The MPA has already taken action against the site, and was able to have BT Broadband ordered to block access to the site. Newzbin is a members-only site that lists down download links to files such as movies, television shows, music files, and software. The MPA represents companies like Warner Bros, Fox, Disney and Paramount Pictures.

After the BPI called on BT to block the site, the MPA made a request to other Internet service providers to follow suit. This was confirmed by a representative from the MPA, who said that the organization had “contacted the other ISPs” and were currently “involved in constructive discussions” with the providers over the matter.

The second ISP to block the site is Sky Broadband. The provider confirmed that they did so after receiving a court order. A spokesperson said: “Sky is working with the rest of the industry to implement a sustainable framework for tackling piracy. When presented with clear and robust evidence of copyright theft, we will take the appropriate action in respect to site blocking, as we have with Newzbin 2.”

Other ISPs like Virgin Media and TalkTalk have yet to block the site. However, a representative from TalkTalk had earlier stated: “We have received a letter from the MPA asking whether we would object (in court) to an order for TalkTalk to block access to Newzbin. We are considering our position since there are some objectionable elements to the proposed injunction. We will only block access to a website if ordered to do so by a court.”

Virgin Media also made a statement with regards to the matter: “As a responsible ISP, we will comply with any court order addressed to us but strongly believe such deterrents need to be accompanied by compelling legal alternatives such as our agreement with Spotify, which gives consumers access to content at the right price.”

Source – BBC