The ISP I worked for before comcrap took over did that. We would get notifications from companies be it software, video, music - they would report that IP x.x.x.x was downloading or sharing on said software. We would then cut off there internet and flag there account, then contact them. They got 3 warnings then 4th offense we would cut there internet services.

It all boils down to money
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10127841-93.html

Which is exactly why I believe the RIAA will pay the bills of the ones looking into log files.

this doesn't seem like a good strategy: it wouldn't be difficult for pirate networks to start using encrypted protocols.

I used to dislike labels, but as they are putting out better quality products than the video industry (i.e. drm-free, 256-kbps mp3's on amazon), maybe they deserve to profit. the other argument is whether they will get anywhere trying to cut off piracy. maybe the lawsuits remind some people that it's actually illegal though. i personally think a [limited] media campaign (e.g. the ads in theatres reminding people not all movies are successful, and profit is necessary for the industry) would be most tactful and effective.

Does this mean I can pirate away now? At least until my ISP tells me to stop? Awesome. :)

(Not so awesome for the people that create content, tho.)

I'm sure ISP's are looking forward to getting rid of cash paying customers that they spent marketing resources to acquire, this is about as stupid as telling auto makers they can't sell a vehicle to anyone with more than 3 speeding tickets.

The great thing about this method (from their point of view) is that they can get you dumped from possibly your only provider without even having to pretend due process.

Invading privacy , checking what you download just to see if is not pirate.
So all the costumers are guilty until proving wrong.

Who decide what is pirate and what is not?
I really thought that police needed a warrant to search you're mail and things.
The piracy thing is bad , but this is worse ,much worse.
PS I love America ,for being free and democratic etc and invadinghelping Iraq to free them.

Two things...

1) It really took them that long to figure out suing was pointless?

2) If ISPs go for that they will stop a lot, but they'll also be invading serious privacy. My guess is that some will only do it in areas where they hold a monopoly and the consumer has no choice to change providers.

Your'e way late Cyril:)

*sigh*...I miss civil liberties....

At least this time they wont be able to sue another 83-year old deceased grandmother.....

It is my firm belief that the RIAA did this because they knew the only method to stop users was going to ISPs. The problem with ISPs is simple: they don't have the money to trace down IPs, track these "offenders", archive log files, etc. It all costs too much money.

I am of the firm belief that the RIAA is trying to cut deals with large ISPs to install monitoring/reporting hardware/software. When the RIAA has a complaint (not necessarily reported to by said device), the ISP can then turn on a report, send the notice down and be done with it.

If the ISP doesn't comply, the RIAA can show (in whatever method) they they acted in good faith by donating hardware/software/support.

I guess they figured out that suing grandmothers and 9 year olds wasn't working out. Go figure. :)

If at first you don't succeed with 30,000 lawsuits, try again the way you should have started in the first place!