residential products
iiNet and AFACT
Chances are, you'll see iiNet in the media over the next couple of months (if you haven't already), due in no small part to the Federal Court action filed by the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft (AFACT). Here's a breakdown of what's been happening...
On November 20th 2008, AFACT, an industry association representing a selection of film and television industry organisations filed a lawsuit against iiNet alleging that we authorised customers to download illegal content in breach of copyright laws (piracy). They claim that iiNet haven't done enough to prevent this illegal activity. We disagree that we've authorised piracy in any way and are in the process of fighting the claims.
After lodging what we consider to be a solid defence on Thursday 5th February, iiNet's legal team appeared in court the following day for the case's directions hearing. We're pleased to say that the preliminary outcome has been positive and we're happy with the orders made on Friday.
The trial date has been set for October 6th, which gives us plenty of time to prepare for the hearing.
For the record, iiNet doesn't support any breaches of the law, including copyright theft. On the contrary, iiNet has led the industry with legal content offerings through our Freezone, including agreements with iTunes, ABC iView, Xbox, the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Cruizin', Macquarie Digital TV, Barclays Premier League Football, Super 14 Rugby, Drift Racing 2007 and classic highlights of golf's four Majors.
We don't believe we should take any action which could result in the disconnection of a customer's service, based on poorly supported allegations. AFACT are asking us to be the investigator, judge and executioner despite their failure to provide us with tangible evidence.
The approach that AFACT has taken is akin to arguing that if a person were to use Australia Post to deliver a pirated DVD, Australia Post has authorised the pirated content on the DVD by delivering it.
We believe that the case will be resolved in iiNet's favour because simply, we don't think we've done anything wrong.
You can read through iiNet's official Defence Document, or check out our official press releases relating to the case:
