Ziggo does not have to betray customers who illegally download films

A slap in the face for Dutch FilmWorks today. The Supreme Court has determined that Ziggo does not have to betray customers who illegally download films or series.

For years it has been a cat and mouse game for organizations such as Dutch FilmWorks and Stichting Brein. The organizations want to tackle people who illegally download protected content. Think of movies, series or music, which is downloaded via torrents. One way to deal with these types of people is if the ISP catches them. But providers are not at all eager to grab their own customers.

illegally download movies

And that is why Dutch FilmWorks went to court. Ultimately, the case went to the Supreme Court, but today’s ruling is against Dutch FilmWorks. The Supreme Court has determined that Ziggo does not have to single out customers at all by passing on download data. Also a victory for a bit of anonymous internet browsing, which is becoming increasingly difficult.

Despite the arrival of services like Netflix and Disney+, piracy is still very much alive. A thorn in the side of parties such as Dutch FilmWorks and Stichting Brein that protect the importance of copyright. Incidentally, illegal downloading of films and series is actually punishable in the Netherlands and carries a fine. However, the risk that you run into the lamp is small.