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Verizon refuses to give up customer info in pirate hunt

The Internet service provider has expressed doubt that IP addresses are useful in the search and is concerned about customer privacy.

Roger Cheng Former Executive Editor / Head of News
Roger Cheng (he/him/his) was the executive editor in charge of CNET News, managing everything from daily breaking news to in-depth investigative packages. Prior to this, he was on the telecommunications beat and wrote for Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal for nearly a decade and got his start writing and laying out pages at a local paper in Southern California. He's a devoted Trojan alum and thinks sleep is the perfect -- if unattainable -- hobby for a parent.
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Roger Cheng

Verizon has its customers' backs.

The Internet service provider is refusing to give up the personal information of customers that book publisher John Wiley & Sons allege are online pirates -- despite the threat of subpoena. Verizon has instead called into question whether the information would lead to any relevant findings and expressed concerns about the violation of privacy, according to TorrentFreak.

Verizon's unwillingness to give up the information is significant because its challenge could signal a potential hurdle for content companies looking to prosecute individuals using Bittorrent to illegally download books, movies, and music.

A key argument is whether the actions of IP address can be directly linked to a specific person. Verizon doesn't appear to believe so.

Verizon also asserts that its customers' information is protected from disclosure by the right of privacy and protection guaranteed by the first amendment, and lists several other objections. In addition, the company is worried Wiley & Sons is using the personal information to harass, delay, or increase the cost of litigation."

Unlike Verizon, most of the other ISPs have complied with the subpoenas issued to them by Wiley & Sons.

Verizon declined to say little more, adding only that, "our objections are of a technical nature."

Updated at 12:33 p.m. PT: to include a response from Verizon.