Is Google Fiber available in your area? Do you take advantage of the super-fast internet it offers? Do you use this Google service to illegally download copyrighted material? These questions are basis that could lead you to pay fines for online piracy.
Copyright owners or authorized representatives of content owners may have notified Google Fiber of the violations of their subscribers. For this reason, Google Fiber is reportedly sending out copyright infringement notices to suspected infringers.
What does the notice contain?
Google Fiber has not shared user’s details with the content owners. The notice reiterates the terms of service prohibiting the use of their internet service for any unlawful activities. They include this warning “Repeated violations of our Terms of Service may result in remedial action being taken against your Google Fiber account, up to and including possible termination of your service”.
Settlements that the copyright holders can demand could go up to hundreds of dollars. The notices serve as automated fines where subscribers can propose a settlement that range from $20 to $300.
AT&T and Verizon are companies that choose not to send settlement emails. On the other hand, Google has chosen to forward these emails to their consumers. In one of the notices they sent on behalf of BMG, it reads that the music company will “pursue every available remedy including injunctions and recovery of attorney’s fees, costs and any and all other damages which are incurred by BMG as a result of any action that is commenced against you.”
Aside from the many DMCA takedown requests, Google also get notices for piracy since Google Fiber became widespread. It is believed that the faster internet service they offer would mean huge loss to the entertainment sector. So, it is amazing that Google is taking part in digital content protection.