A controversial program designed to thwart individuals who download copyright-protected material via the Internet was launched in February by the film, television, and music industries. Proponents say that this latest effort to combat online piracy will educate consumers about copyrights. But critics complain that it’s a misguided system that will do more harm than good. And it could affect cafes and other venues that offer Wi-Fi access.
The Copyright Alert System (CAS), also known as the "six-strikes policy," was created by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), the Recording Industry of America (RIAA), and the five largest Internet service providers: AT&T, Cablevision, Comcast, Time Warner, and Verizon. The Center for Copyright Information (CCI), the umbrella group established to administer the new program, says that it provides the entertainment industry with a valuable new tool.
