Comcast Refusing To Comply With Piracy Subpoenas

New submitter nbacon writes with news that Comcast, apparently tired of the endless BitTorrent-related piracy lawsuits, has stopped complying with subpoena requests, much to the chagrin of rightsholders. From the article: "Initially Comcast complied with these subpoenas, but an ongoing battle in the Illinois District Court shows that the company changed its tune recently. Instead of handing over subscriber info, Comcast asked the court to quash the subpoenas. Among other things, the ISP argued that the court doesn’t have jurisdiction over all defendants, because many don’t live in the district in which they are being sued. The company also argues that the copyright holders have no grounds to join this many defendants in one lawsuit. The real kicker, however, comes with the third argument. Here, Comcast accuses the copyright holders of a copyright shakedown, exploiting the court to coerce defendants into paying settlements."

Yay Comcast.

[icebike]

I take back every nasty thing I ever said about Comcast.

Well, on second thought, I temporarily suspend my badmouthing of Comcast. ...
Ok, time's up.

Hats Off

[TemperedAlchemist]

I had my doubts about Comcast for some time now, but if they keep this up, they may keep me as a customer.

Re:Hats Off

[ZeroSumHappiness]

I think I have to eat mine.

Re:Yay Comcast.

[Brewster Jennings]

I am afraid to express an opinion about a cable provider ever since -- when the topic came up for discussion among friends -- I boldly informed them that I like Cox.

They still refuse to let it go, the bastards.

Re:While it's nice that Comcast is standing up....

[quacking duck]

While it's nice that Comcast is standing up to them, if you read through you'll find that it's four porn companies. In other words, they're not standing up (in this case, at least) to any of the MAFIAA members.

So what you're saying is, they're impotent and flaccid when facing the MAFIAA?

Re:Yay Comcast.

[Defenestrar]

Dude - I know what you mean. Sure, even a perfect /. editor can sometimes miss something during a submission, but this is going too far! Even after a double take it still says that Comcast did something other than going out of their way to screw their customers. That's it, I'm turning in my Slashdot license and actually reading this article. I'm also going to pinch myself, and if I don't wake up, start holding my breath.

Re:Yay Comcast.

[Nethemas the Great]

Thank you. I feel better now that I know I can turn back from these feelings of appreciation bubbling up.

Re:The Twilight Zone

[Nethemas the Great]

Oh sort of like the enemy of my enemy is my friend? Oh wait, does that mean Comcast is my friend or the MPAA? I'm so confused!

Re:Yay Comcast.

[EdIII]

You stole my post. Good thoughts.

Geeezz. He did not steal your post. He only infringed upon it by making an unlicensed copy. :P

Re:best opinion I've seen on the subject so far

[tibit]

I wish we lived in a world where I could calmly tell you straight in your face that you're a deluded conspiracy nut. Alas, I can't. There will be probably an Ivy MBA somewhere who will think of this, implement it, and get a bunch of golden parachutes for his efforts :(

Re:Yay Comcast.

[smellotron]

I'd still rather masturbate with a fistful of broken glass

Hey, some of us enjoy Perl!