iiNet begins Federal Court defence

Internet service provider iiNet has begun its defence in the Federal Court against charges it is not doing enough to help prevent piracy on its network.

The Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft – a group consisting of several larger entertainment companies such as 20th Century Fox – has taken the ISP to court saying it should be doing more to combat digital piracy.

“iiNet begins its defence in the Federal Court today against a selection of film and television industry organisations alleging that iiNet authorised customers to download films in breach of copyright laws,” the group says in a statement.

“iiNet will vigorously defend the Federal Court action and denies that it authorised such activity. iiNet does not in any way support, or encourage, breaches of the law, including infringement of copyright.

“iiNet has, and always will, abide by the law and has forwarded allegations of illegal activity involving services connected to the iiNet network to the relevant law enforcement agencies for their attention.

“The law currently provides a process for investigating copyright theft or any other illegal activity using the internet. AFACT did not use this process.”