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Duke Demands Proof of Infringement From RIAA
NewYorkCountryLawyer writes "According to a report at p2pnet, Duke University has told the RIAA that it will no longer forward the RIAA's 'early settlement' letters to its students unless the RIAA submits 'evidence that someone actually downloaded from that student,' and said that 'if the RIAA can't prove that actual illegal behavior occurred, then we're not going to comply.' While it is good news that a university is requiring the RIAA to put up or shut up, the forwarding — or not forwarding — of letters is pretty insignificant. What I want to know is this: 'When the RIAA comes knocking with its Star Chamber, ex parte, 'John Doe' litigation to get the students' identities, is the University going to go to bat for the students and fight the litigation on the ground that it's based on zero evidence, and on the ground that the students weren't given prior notice and an opportunity to be heard?' Over 1,000 infringement notices were sent to Duke students in the last year."
Ray, you're obviously very well versed in all of this. Put aside the question of tactics used by the RIAA for a moment.
What do you think about people who are pirating music and/or movies? I looked on your website and found lots about the RIAA tactics, suing individuals, presenting evidence, etc., but nothing about whether you think music/movie piracy is right or wrong. Morally.
Do you think it's justifiable? Wrong? Slightly naughty but not a big deal? I'm really curious... I'm also curious about the legion of /. readers who spring to argument upon argument over any detail when this topic arises. Forget the question of tactics, of who's being mistakenly sued for an impossible amount of money, etc., etc. What do think about people who are pirating music and/or movies?