Today the Center for Copyright Information (CCI) begins its multi-stage rollout of the Copyright Alert System (CAS). The CAS is the result of a voluntary agreement between the largest Internet service providers and content companies that will send notices to alleged infringers using peer-to-peer networks in order to educate them about copyright and legal alternatives. The system also provides for a process by which consumers can fight these allegations.
The following can be attributed to CCI Advisory Board member and President of Public Knowledge, Gigi Sohn:
"The Copyright Alert System will be a significant test of whether a voluntary copyright enforcement system can work while at the same time protecting the rights of Internet users. The creators of the system have taken steps to build in consumer protections and fair process to the system, and it is my hope that it will succeed.
"At the same time, I urge both the participating Internet service providers and the content companies to be more open and transparent about how the CAS works and, after the system has been in place for a time, to provide the public data that shows how the system is working. I will continue to use my role on the Center for Copyright Information Advisory Board to ensure that Internet users' rights are protected; that the process provided under the CAS is robust and accessible; and that the CAS operates transparently and with public input."
The CCI describes the CAS process here [3]
