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DirecTV Sues Anyone Who Bought Smartcard Reader?

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the absolutely-insane dept.

MImeKillEr writes "The Register is reporting that DirecTV is suing anyone known to have purchased a smartcard programmer, regardless of whether or not they're actually using the device to enable stealing their programming. They're sending out letters & when people call to clear up the confusion, DirecTV is demanding a $3500 settlement as well as the programming device. They've filed 9000 federal lawsuits against alleged pirates thus far. They're obtaining lists of who purchased the devices during raids against the sites that offer them for sale."

3 of 1,072 comments (clear)

  1. SCO? by Lord_Dweomer · · Score: 1, Flamebait
    Looks like they borrowed, and are playing Daryl's "If you run Linux, we're going to sue you" card. What can citizens do to stop these insane litigation fiaSCOs from happening?

    --
    Buy Steampunk Clothing Online!
  2. You Jackasses by ad0le · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that anyone who purchased a "smart card" writer from a source that specifically deals with information/tools for hacking DirectTv systems had the full intention of piracy.

    Anyone that had a legitiment use for one would have gotten a better/cheaper product from a more reputable source.

    I doubt DirectTv is going after companies like Dell,TigerDirect, etc etc that sell these things.

    --
    My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch.
  3. Re:I want to care, but the victims don't! by calethix · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    You're absolutely right. I don't feel sorry for people that get mugged or raped either. If they have so little conviction that they won't put up a fight then they deserve it.

    What's that? You don't agree with that part?

    It hardly seems fair to place blame on a victim for taking the route that harms them the least.