Japan Getting Tough on Illegal Downloaders

Mar 16, 2008 • News

Update, March 17th

Danny Choo @ Dannychoo.com has translated and reassessed the statement by the Japan Internet Providers Association, which was released on March 17th. Read what he has to say and learn why it’s not as bad as the Yomiuri had reported. I hope. Big thanks to him, his ability keep on top of things, and his superior language abilities.

Original

From the Daily Yomiuri:

The nation’s four Internet provider organizations have agreed to forcibly cut the Internet connection of users found to repeatedly use Winny and other file-sharing programs to illegally copy gaming software and music, it was learned Friday.

The move aims to deal with the rise in illegal copying of music, gaming software and images that has resulted in huge infringements on the rights of copyright holders.

Apparently, users will first be warned by email and then have their services cut off completely. Although threats like this have persisted in the past¹, this one might actually work, provided they do cut off service. A couple questions would be whether you get blackballed or if you can easily create another account either at the same company or another one. I’ll also be interested in seeing if this decreases Japan’s file-sharing in the next year or so or if it encourages it. After all, Japanese CDs and DVDs aren’t cheap and the media groups aren’t addressing how to lure consumers back to the market.

NHK is still being a money sucking moray eel and no one’s listening to them [↩]

Initial comments are held for moderation. Please read the comment policy for more information.