Record Industry May Not Subpoena Providers

[Ediacara]

Dec 19, 1:51 PM EST
Record Industry May Not Subpoena Providers

By TED BRIDIS
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal appeals court ruled Friday the recording industry can't force Internet providers to identify subscribers swapping music online, dramatically setting back the industry's anti-piracy campaign.

The three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia overturned a trial judge's decision to enforce copyright subpoenas used by the recording industry. The subpoena power was established by a law passed before the explosive growth of swapping music online.

"It's an incredible ruling, a blow for the little guy," said Bob Barnes, a grandfather in Fresno, Calif., who was targeted by one of the earliest subpoenas from the Recording Industry Association of America but isn't among the hundreds who have been sued so far.

More at St Louis Post Dispatch

a blow for the little guy? what?

[Occulus]

1. He means against the RIAA.

[Heddi]

2. dupe

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