O2 joins file sharing letter row

 

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Posted on 17 Mar 2010 at 17:43

Mobile phone and broadband network provider O2 has condemned the thousands of controversial letters being sent to alleged file sharers in the UK, saying that they were bullying and threatening its customers.

The swipe is aimed directly at ACS: Law, a law firm sending out threatening letters to UK consumers, including O2's customers, on behalf of a number of rights holders that accuse them of illegally downloading copyrighted material. The letter offers recipients a quick out of court settlement at £500 per infringement.

"Where we are legally obliged to provide information and the correct paperwork is presented, we will comply with the law," an O2 spokesperson said. "But we prefer the 'win-win' approach of encouraging the development of new business models that offer customers the content they want, how they want it, for a fair price."

This is a story we've been following for some time and it first started with London-based law firm Davenport Lyons. From the research we've accrued, a lot of people who were sent letters by Davenport Lyons, immediately paid to brush aside fears of embarrassment and belittlement - many accusations involved pornography.

From what we understand, ACS: Law has taken on the cases started by Davenport Lyons, who was subject to an investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority over its role in the controversy.

According to the BBC, two of Davenport Lyons' partners, Brian Miller and David Gore, have been referred to the SRA's disciplinary tribunal. "We are very aware of the public and parliamentary concern about the issue behind the Davenport Lyons complaint," an SRA spokesperson said.

ACS: Law is also under an SRA investigation.

Many have questioned the process used by law firms and their clients to identify pirates, arguing that an IP address is not proof that the owner of the PC was responsible for the offence. Consumer watchdog Which? has received more than 150 complaints from people saying they have been wrongly accused. Consumer rights group BeingThreatened has also produced a handbook full of advice for those who receive a letter.

If you've received a letter, please do let us know how you got on either in the comments or via our Contact Us page.

Author: Tim Smalley