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story category ISP Blocks P2P By Default
Small provider scared by legal threats
(old news - 12:53PM Thursday Sep 02 2004)
tags: Fileswapping · world
One UK ISP named Vispa has apparently decided to block most p2p traffic by default, posting to their support board that the company had to take drastic action to avoid "possible heavy legal action". "At first we warned users by giving them a call, gave them a slap wrist, and asked them to remove software which had basically got them in trouble [but] we can't maintain this level of personal treatment, especially due to increased warnings." Yet if Vispa users call the ISP, they'll be unblocked if they apparently sign some kind of disclaimer.

Related:
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  2. Belgian ISP: Filtering Piracy 'Impossible'
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  5. Senators Question Secret Piracy Bill
  6. Belgian ISP Tries, Fails To Filter Piracy
  7. French Senate Passes 'Three Strikes' Piracy Law
  8. UK May Still Adopt '3 Strikes' Anti-Piracy Law
Forums » ISP Blocks P2P By Default
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Post a:

elias
Premium,VIP
join:2000-07-24
Miami, FL
clubs:

ISP Shouldn't Be Liable

They're just providing the pipe.

Kinda like making the gov't responsible if you steal a car, for having the road open, and allowing you to flee.

-- Elias
--
Crunching the Midnight Oil
kpatz
MY HEAD A SPLODE
Premium
join:2003-06-13
Manchester, NH

Re: ISP Shouldn't Be Liable

We're starting down a slippery slope here... it started innocently enough when ISPs started blocking risky ports such as 135-139 and 445, not bad in and of itself, but then it's started to expand into ports like 25 (to block spam and/or mailservers), 80 inbound (blocking web servers), and now P2P apps?

If we let this continue, residential Internet connections will eventually be restricted to 80 and 443 outbound, to selected "safe" sites.

An ISP should provide internet ACCESS. If I want any ports or services blocked, I'll do it myself with this handy dandy device called a firewall.
--
Robert Tappan Morris, Jr., got six months in jail for crashing 10% of the computers that Bill Gates made $100 million crashing last weekend.
GujuGuy67

join:2003-07-28
Garland, TX

Re: ISP Shouldn't Be Liable

* thank god that im the only one that sees this....

fartness
Computersoc Dot Com
Premium
join:2003-03-25
Look Outside
clubs:
Like gun manufacturers aren't responsible if I kill someone.

elias
Premium,VIP
join:2000-07-24
Miami, FL
clubs:

Re: ISP Shouldn't Be Liable

said by fartness See Profile:
Like gun manufacturers aren't responsible if I kill someone.

Exactly, nor the company that makes bullets, laser sights, scopes, etc.

-- Elias
--
Crunching the Midnight Oil

ropeguru
Premium
join:2001-01-25
Hollywood, FL
clubs:

Re: ISP Shouldn't Be Liable

Tell the tobacco industry that!!
Cyron

join:2002-09-24
Charlotte, NC

Re: ISP Shouldn't Be Liable

I think the tobacco companies got into trouble because up until the mid-80's, they said that cigarettes were ok (or rather that studies didn't prove they were dangerous). If you started smoking after they put the labels on, I don't think you could, or rather I should say should, win a suit.

ropeguru
Premium
join:2001-01-25
Hollywood, FL
clubs:

Re: ISP Shouldn't Be Liable

So maybe the ISP's need to start putting up banner ads on everyone's connection that downloading copyrighted material is illegal?? Will this then make it ok??

So if they are in trouble for those people they told it was ok and then put the label on, why are they still getting sued and being liable for those after all the warnings??

Plasticman
Will Work For Bandwidth
Premium
join:2002-09-06
Harrisville, RI
clubs:
·Cox HSI
·Vonage

said by fartness See Profile:
Like gun manufacturers aren't responsible if I kill someone.

Or the person that stepped in front of the gun when you pulled the trigger
--
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change the courage to change the things I cannot accept and the wisdom to hide the bodies of those people I had to kill today because they pissed me off

RAZ Black

join:2001-10-04
Mansfield, TX
this is just a test bed for more government intervention and control in the United States
--
-= ok, who turned out the lights? =-

inteller
Sociopaths always win.

join:2003-12-08
Tulsa, OK

Re: ISP Shouldn't Be Liable

welcome to new China, please have a nice day.
dosbubba

join:2002-01-26
Eustis, FL


edit:
September 2nd, @06:19PM

said by RAZ Black See Profile:
this is just a test bed for more government intervention and control in the United States

quote:
One UK ISP named Vispa has apparently decided to block most p2p traffic by default...

TravisB
Premium,Mod
join:2000-02-22
Springfield, MO
clubs:

Host:
Dialup
Southeast Asian Br..

happened here too...

A local ISP ( www.semo.net ) did about the same thing, they blocked all P2P applications but never told anyone what was happening. After about a month or so they dropped it and put a 5GB upload cap on the service.
--
»www.cardomain.com/id/travisbguy

loserhead
3 Billion Chinese People Can Be Wrong

join:2004-01-01
Ellijay, GA

....

ok so this will definitely keep their users from using p2p filesharing programs, but for what reason?

everything i have heard about legal action being taken has been against the end user and not the ISP. corect me if im wrong, but im pretty sure the ISPs dont get sued.

it seems that Vispa, while trying to keep themselves safe from a nonexistent threat, have pushaed away customers. sounds like bad business to me. but this is all MHO....

==AA==

RobinSena

@adelphia.net

Re: ....

P2P will always adapt. Most apps have dynamic port ability, as well as other steps to bypass enforcement efforts. If all else fails, their is always the reliable Newsgroups or IRC.

AthlGrond
Premium,MVM
join:2002-04-25
Aurora, CO
·Comcast

I think they just don't want to deal with the whole warning distribution process.

Here is what they said:
said by Linked Vispa Support Site:
Copied from another location that I posted to this morning (75% of it will related, ignore the bits which are not) :

I can confirm that at present Vispa is conducting a semi (note: not everything) block on some P2P networks while we conduct some research (which has provided quite disturbing at present). It's not planned to remain in place, but continue reading and I think you will understand why we have had to do this.

This measure has come about due to possible heavy legal action against Vispa for allowing downloading to continue. This started from dozens of reports every single day, which grew to over a hundred or so a week or reports of Copyright Infringement.

At first we warned users by giving them a call, gave them a slap wrist, and asked them to remove software which had basically got them in trouble. However the situation has got to a point that we can't maintain this level of personal treatment, especially due to increased warnings.

Therefore to give Vispa breathing space from the legal letters that have hit our desks, we are looking at a possible reverse solution to this problem. Blocking by default, and then if a user wishes to use P2P, then have to request access. This will, via some sort of legal agreement that takes to legal stance off Vispa and places any wrong-doings directly on the End User. Of course we will explain all the risks etc at this point. We believe this is the safe solution for all parties.

Don't get us wrong, we like everyone know the benefits of P2P, it's approach to push small music artists, upstart software companies etc, but the true fact is that 90% of material belongs to someone else. Smaller ISPs are a perfect test legal case, we don't have the in-house legal teams or the experience/resources to put up a fair fight, and it's for this reason why the likes of Vispa are getting targetted, the big boys have done the research.

Bandwidth does not come into play at all, we have plenty of spare capacity across our centrals as well as core transit. Though I would like to point out that no where do we state we are an unlimited service. Every Broadband user needs to remember, regardless of ISP that services are contended between 50:1 or 20:1 users, sitting on high resources service 24/7 is totally unfair on others. I could put it as a little rude to have this type of mindset.

Also at no point have we changed our terms and conditions, the last update to these was 14/02/2004 which covers all points addressed above. They quite clearly do state that we can make measures to protect ourselves and the customers.
_________________
Martin Pitt
Vispa Support Staff
--
System protected by Impregnable Ignorance (TM)

NewLife
Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming

join:2001-07-31
Calhoun, GA

said by loserhead See Profile:
ok so this will definitely keep their users from using p2p filesharing programs

But its only p2p apps, How quick everyone forgets about newsgroups and IRC.
--
Computer Specs:
AMD 2400 XP/512 PC2700 RAM/128 MEG ASUS 9280TS Video/80 GB HDD/Onboard Sound

"You are the weakest link, GOODBYE!"

Julio
Bachatero y Que?
Premium
join:2003-03-19
Brooklyn, NY
clubs:

Re: ....

said by NewLife See Profile:
said by loserhead See Profile:
ok so this will definitely keep their users from using p2p filesharing programs

But its only p2p apps, How quick everyone forgets about newsgroups and IRC.

Newsgrounps and IRC are not p2p. it's more of leech applications.
--
Kurt Cobain Is My Guitar God.
keyboard5684

join:2001-08-01
Youngsville, PA
·WestPAnet Inc.
·WestPAnet Inc. CA..
·Verizon Online DSL
·Vonage

Most people do not use those.
People never forgot, they just do not use them nearly as much as p2p apps.

Email can be used to send copyrighted materials to others, but thats not blocked. If 1,000,000 people did that then the ISP would probably end up scanning and blocking mp3 files?

ISPs should not block anything. I can see why they may wish to cap p2p but blocking is not there thing. ISPs are not cops and should not be.

NewLife
Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming

join:2001-07-31
Calhoun, GA

Re: ....

said by keyboard5684 See Profile:
...they just do not use them nearly as much as p2p apps.

Because a normal person doesn't have the knowledge nor the patience to learn. Especially when you can just download install and start getting stuff with P2P apps
--
Computer Specs:
AMD 2400 XP/512 PC2700 RAM/128 MEG ASUS 9280TS Video/80 GB HDD/Onboard Sound

"You are the weakest link, GOODBYE!"

Julio
Bachatero y Que?
Premium
join:2003-03-19
Brooklyn, NY
clubs:

Re: ....

i hope they stay on p2p programs. i dont want n00bs to start using IRC and Usenet.
--
Kurt Cobain Is My Guitar God.
Cyron

join:2002-09-24
Charlotte, NC
Don't forget about FTP. Over half the copyrighted materials I download are from FTP sites.

NewLife
Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming

join:2001-07-31
Calhoun, GA

Re: ....

said by Cyron See Profile:
Don't forget about FTP. Over half the copyrighted materials I download are from FTP sites.

Thank you for reminding me. I had totally forgotten about that route.
--
Computer Specs:
AMD 2400 XP/512 PC2700 RAM/128 MEG ASUS 9280TS Video/80 GB HDD/Onboard Sound

"You are the weakest link, GOODBYE!"

draven
Premium,Mod
join:2002-02-20
my bunker

On a positive note ...

...that's probably the fastest ISP in the UK!

stet
Volitar Prime

join:2002-03-08
Warren, MI

AUPs of some ISPs

The AUPs of some ISPs (including WOW and Comcast) state that you are prohibited from running file servers. Sharing through P2P is running a file server. Therefor they can block you as a matter of their AUP and not because of any legal threats.
--
THINGOL: Got the shiny?
BEREN: Shiny's in my hand.
THINGOL: And?
BEREN: Hand's not here.
THINGOL: Crap, I really wanted that shiny.

BetYourAzz




thumbs down from:
Doctor Four See Profile

ALL ISP's should be blocking illegal P2P traffic !

This ain't rocket science folks... There is no reason why every ISP should not be blocking illegal P2P traffic. It's quite simple to monitor illegal P2P traffic and both block it and notify authorities of who the participants are so they can be prosecuted. If ISP's don't do this willingly, then they deserve to be prosecuted for conspiracy to steal copyright protected materials.

DSLucky
Premium
join:2002-04-23
Maud, OK
clubs:

Re: ALL ISP's should be blocking illegal P2P traff

Bet: That is pure flame bait and you know it...Go register yourself, before you start posting inflammitory statments such as your last, you RIAA hack!

J D McDorce
Premium
join:2001-12-29
Westland, MI

Re: ALL ISP's should be blocking illegal P2P traffic !

How would you propose that ISPs make the determination of which P2P traffic is legal and which is illegal?
ross

join:2000-08-16

Re: ALL ISP's should be blocking illegal P2P traff

"BetYourAzz", I'll wager you would if you could find it, you moronic f**k. CLUE: It is not a hot rock, nor a hole in the ground!
Advice: Use both hands, and in your case, get assistance!

Doctor Four
My other vehicle is a TARDIS
Premium
join:2000-09-05
Dallas, TX
·AT&T U-Verse
·RoadRunner Cable
·AT&T Yahoo

PLONK!

And to everyone else,
see the above image.

Pv8man999

@in.us

And of course you'll always have some fucking communist that agrees with everything companies like the RIAA say ...and he will be anonymous....post your real fucking identity then maybe you could argue

the only reason why im anonymous is because for some reason when I sign up to DSLreports.com...i never get the verification e-mail....

Sincerly
Paul Valente
Pv8man@hotmail.com
mellowt

join:2003-11-15
Goleta, CA

Re: ALL ISP's should be blocking illegal P2P traff

said by Pv8man999:
And of course you'll always have some fucking communist that agrees with everything companies like the RIAA say
You've got your ideologies backwards Paul. By disagreeing with the RIAA and its desire to maintain corporate control of intellectual property rights expressly for its own private profit-incentive, you fall a lot further left than their unconvincing mouthpiece, "betyourazz".
I'm with you... but please, let's work away from the habit of slandering the side you just might agree with.

kchaz
Just...Be
Premium,MVM
join:2002-02-12
Merced, CA
clubs:

news groups

this will make newsgroups that much more sought after...time to buy some stock in NGs
--
BBR America's Army Clan: [BBR]KcHaZ

See 8 replies to this post

Monster Rain
Premium
join:2002-08-03
USA

Better Admins

VISPA sounds like they need more help on running an operational network. If P2P is hurting them that much ...fork it out and buy some more pipe you nazi's
--
Will route for food.

blackjeep

join:2001-07-12
Atlanta, GA

Re: Better Admins

Read the post again directly from Vispa. They say this is not a bandwidth issue, that they have plenty of that to spare. It is an issue of excessive pressure from the recording industry to stamp out rampant downloading of copyrighted materials.

KeepOnRockin
Music Lover Forever
Premium
join:2002-11-08
Beaverton, OR
·Comcast
·Verizon Online DSL

Re: Better Admins

said by blackjeep See Profile:
Read the post again directly from Vispa. They say this is not a bandwidth issue, that they have plenty of that to spare. It is an issue of excessive pressure from the recording industry to stamp out rampant downloading of copyrighted materials.

"Excessive pressure?" lol. What is the RIAA doing? Holding guns to their heads?

Vispa is a small ISP and probably doesn't want to give its users any more bandwidth then they have too (desipite what they say about this not being a "bandwidth issue").

At least Verizon had the balls to stand up to the "excessive pressure" of the RIAA.

dadkins
Merry Whatever
Premium,MVM
join:2003-09-26
Hercules, CA
·Comcast

Uh huh

HELLO! ftp... NewsGroup users complaining about nOObs, ALL of you were once in the same nOOb boat. Think about if you were shunned away. You wouldn't be here now sniveling about not wanting new people connecting to your baby! DUH!

This ISP needs to get out from under a rock, Internet Service Provider... provides the service to the internet nothing more.

Wake up people!
--
Nuke 'em all, let God sort 'em out.
Freezone

join:2000-09-29
Southfield, MI

Re: Uh huh

Shunning noobs is just a ploy to get more into usenet. More people more money for usenet servers more bandwidth more retention.

For pay usenet access is getting better and faster.
ross

join:2000-08-16
·Digizip

Need a blankey, Vispa?

These guys should just go out of business. They obviously don't have the balls, or the intestinal fortitude, to stand up for themselves, or their subscribers. Too many fucking lawyers on staff for their own, or anyone else's, good. Roll it up Vispa, next you'll be kissing religio-political ass over content. So, spare everyone your further boo-hoo's, grab your blankey, warm milk and go hide under your bed until the culture nazi's make the world nice and grey and safe for you.
keason
Premium
join:2002-05-02
Ann Arbor, MI

P2P is Not profitable for ISP's

Whatever the stated reason, ISP's tend to either cap P2P traffic or bandwidth limit it for residential accounts. Every ISP that I work with states that a very small percentage of their users consume most of the bandwidth - usually .5% or so. Average DSL/Cable usage is under 20K, but a P2P user might use 100-300x that amount. With bandwidth costs of $75-$150/Mb , how can an ISP sell $100's worth of bandwidth for $30???

No other application consumes as much bandwidth for extended periods.

If you have a T1 or business DSL for $150-$500 per month, that changes the picture - full bandwidth use is still profitable.
plutarch

join:2002-12-29
Kansas City, MO

Re: P2P is Not profitable for ISP's

That's the price of being able to advertise "unlimited" access. Those that are willing to publish caps can, but they can't expect to charge people $49.95 per month for enough bandwidth to fetch email, patches and anti-virus updates and expect to stay in business.
ross

join:2000-08-16
·Digizip


edit:
September 7th, @01:32PM

Irrelevant to the issue at hand. Vispa is worried about liability, not bandwidth. Their concern is a non-issue since ISP's are not liable for content. They are bowing to political pressure from the music industry, plain and simple. Who would trust them in any regard after that.

edit: spelling

poopla

@Dial1.Sea

boycott greedy big stars

they were the ones that started this crap, every generation had a device by which some copied music..performers still lived well and prospered. these people are obscene with their money, just watch cribs or lifestyles of the rich and famous..they make me sick and I am a singer!
acb2green

join:2006-05-28

Please help me about port 443 closed by ISP!!!

Hello
First, that´s the only ISP that can i use.
They closed port 443 and now i can´t enter at my yahoo mail account.

Then they close all the access to any not cuban page (www.xxx.cu. I only can visit cuban pages.
I discover a software that help me to bypass restrictions but not de closed port (443. i can visit now anypage but i cant enter at my yahoo email.

any suggestion?
Forums » ISP Blocks P2P By Default


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