A site created to allow DJs and producers to upload their work has shut itself down after being targeted by the RIAA. The operator of Mixstep informs TorrentFreak that despite banning errant users, tackling allegedly-infringing uploads is too much for the no-profit service.
Namecheap has suspended the domain of file-hosting service Nofile.io. The suspension follows a few weeks after the RIAA targeted the site and it wouldn't be a surprise if the music group's inquiry directly or indirectly spurred the domain registrar into action.
ISP Cox Communications recently agreed to identify thousands of business subscribers accused of sharing pirated material. The disclosure, part of the piracy liability lawsuit filed by several music labels, was protested with success by a lone business subscriber. The identities of thousands of other subscribers who didn't object will be revealed nonetheless.
An annual survey carried out in Finland has revealed interesting attitudes towards piracy. The majority of respondents believe that any form of piracy is unacceptable, with only 3% completely in favor. Overall, just 6% of Finns admit to streaming movies or TV shows from illegal sources.
Paul Hansmeier, one of the lead attorneys behind the controversial law firm Prenda, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison. In addition, he must pay his victims $1.5 million in restitution. The attorney was one of the masterminds behind the fraudulent scheme in which Prenda created and uploaded porn movies to extract settlements from alleged pirates. The Pirate Bay played a crucial role in the case.
The Swiss streaming platform of Comcast-owned broadcaster Sky is using fan-made subtitles on the final episode of the hit-series Chernobyl. The subtitles are credited to Addic7ed.com, a community that's been branded a 'pirate' site by many major copyright holders.
In a relatively unusual action, Dutch anti-piracy group BREIN says it has forced three unlicensed Internet radio broadcasters to obtain licensing. A fourth has shut down. Other stations targeted by BREIN state that they're owned by their streaming platform, a matter that is complicated by its status as a so-called bullet-proof host set up to protect its customers' privacy.
According to the latest Lyst Index report of the world's hottest fashion brands, Switzerland-based Vetements is a Top 10 player, just behind Versace. Bizarrely, one of its latest 'creations' is a Pirate Bay hoodie, on sale for the bargain price of just $845. Ladies and gentlemen are advised to form an orderly queue, credit cards in hand please.
Streaming video services are, in theory, great competitors to pirate sites and services. However, when you have to sign up for half a dozen subscriptions to watch your favorite movies and shows, something is wrong. New research suggests that this fragmented streaming landscape is keeping piracy relevant.