The recent move by DigiProtect, a Germany-based digital rights company, to curb piracy, is being thought excessive. DigiProtect joined hands with ACS:Law, a UK law firm, to identify people involved in illegal filesharing. This came to light when consumers complained that they had received notices from ACS:Law, saying that they had infringed copyright laws. In some cases, the letters demanded compensation and even threatened lawsuits.

The company used an automated process to identify the filesharers. However, as it happens, the process is not foolproof and the company has itself admitted that in some instances, the person they have written to might not be breaking any rules. In such cases, DigiProtect says that such persons are their first point of contact to discovering who has committed the transgression, and it would like to know how the incident occurred. They say that the next step of action would only be decided on the basis of the response they receive.

Even the BPI, that vociferously supports stronger measures against such piracy, and had, in fact actively lobbied for the recently enacted Digital Economy Act has stated that it is excessive to use legal proceedings as the first measure. However, DigiProtect told BBC that it is the only effective course of action as illegal filesharing is a common problem and this, according to them, is the most efficacious method.

The move has not gone down well with the legal fraternity and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is also planning to look into the propriety of the move.

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