ACS: Law Withdraws Pursuing Illegal File-Sharers 105
Necroloth writes "As mentioned previously on Slashdot, ACS: Law has been sending out letters to thousands of alleged file-sharers on behalf on its client, MediaCAT. However, solicitor Andrew Crossley has now ceased all work on such cases, citing criminal attacks and death threats. Judge Birss doesn't seem to be taken by this, and comments, 'I am getting the impression with every twist and turn since I started looking at these cases that there is a desire to avoid any judicial scrutiny.' Judge Birss is expected to deliver his judgment on the case later in the week... perhaps all is not lost in the British judicial system."
It's good news (Score:4, Interesting)
Any lawsuit filed, even one you can successfully defend against, is a pain to deal with and causes emotional stress. It's good to see practices like these become less popular.
Re:Using the law to abuse the law (Score:5, Interesting)
The judge in the case appears to have strong feelings on that matter, and has yet to have his final word on the case. He refused to let ACS:Law withdraw their prosecution earlier because he felt the heinous mess needed to see a courtroom, so things might get more interesting.
Re:Only porn filesharers? (Score:4, Interesting)
Kind of makes me wonder if the porn accusations were all smoke and mirrors in a barely-legal extortion attempt. As in "Our data shows you downloading 'Naked Underage Midgets 3'. You wouldn't want your friends and family to find out you've been sued for downloading this movie, would you? Just pay our settlement fee and this can go away quietly."