So-called “strike” systems are one of the more popular methods that governments use to crack down on internet piracy. Basically, copyright holders monitor their content that’s being exchanged on file-sharing networks, identify who it is that is downloading the files, and then report them to that person’s ISP who then warns the infringer. But how successful is this method?
Alongside site blocking and attacking the finances of pirate sites, so-called “strike” schemes are one of the preferred anti-piracy mechanisms of the mainstream entertainment companies. The idea is simple. Rightsholders monitor their works being exchanged on file-sharing networks, capture IP addresses of alleged infringers, and send complaints to those individuals’ ISPs. These notices are then forwarded to inform customers of their errant behavior. There can be little doubt that this option is preferable to suing users en masse, but is the approach effective? Thanks to MPAA documents sent to the studios and obtained by TorrentFreak, we now have a clearer idea of whether the movie business itself thinks that “strikes” programs work – and more besides.