If you check the terms and conditions of use as posted on the "defendents'" websites, you will see that, like all other ISP's, they have done some CYA work.
The following is directly from the AT&T TAC policy: "5. Legal conditions
There is a wide variety and quantity of information available through the Internet using AT&T WorldNet Service. While we hope you'll take full advantage of the Internet, please note that we don't have control over most of what's accessible through the Service -- in other words, you're responsible for protecting yourself from harmful or inaccurate information."
Of course, this is primarily to cover them as a provider of service and not as a backbone provider, I believe the TAC mentions that it covers all services obtained through AT&T. Let the RIAA go through the arbitration process with the illusive owners of the site, being as that looks like their only "legitimate" legal avenue.
As a side note -- I realize that the US government is really screwed up, but do you really think they are going to let the RIAA cut in on their action? I don't think so!
Slashdot Mirror
If you check the terms and conditions of use as posted on the "defendents'" websites, you will see that, like all other ISP's, they have done some CYA work. The following is directly from the AT&T TAC policy: "5. Legal conditions There is a wide variety and quantity of information available through the Internet using AT&T WorldNet Service. While we hope you'll take full advantage of the Internet, please note that we don't have control over most of what's accessible through the Service -- in other words, you're responsible for protecting yourself from harmful or inaccurate information." Of course, this is primarily to cover them as a provider of service and not as a backbone provider, I believe the TAC mentions that it covers all services obtained through AT&T. Let the RIAA go through the arbitration process with the illusive owners of the site, being as that looks like their only "legitimate" legal avenue. As a side note -- I realize that the US government is really screwed up, but do you really think they are going to let the RIAA cut in on their action? I don't think so!