AfterDawn: News

Portugal now has its first convicted file-sharer

In order to "set an example", Portugal's first convicted file sharer has been sentenced to 90 days in prison. The man, who remains unnamed, had been in court after the Portuguese version of the RIAA accused him of unauthorized uploading of music on P2P networks.

The punishment was decided upon by the court in Portimão in an effort to set an example for future file sharers.



The Portuguese Phonographic Association (AFP), the Portuguese equivalent of the RIAA sent out a complaint about the file sharer which was confirmed by EMI. The user was accused of uploading a couple hundred of EMI's copyrighted songs. The courts confirmed that there were over 100 other complaints being investigated currently.

A spokesperson for the EMI said he was pleased by the decision, a "necessary evil" that should be employed to stop future file sharers. “The problem is people know they are doing something illegal, but they also know there are no consequences, at least until this week,” he added.

There was word however, that the jail sentence can be replaced with a large fine, but there was no word on the compensation.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 29 Jun 2008 13:47

• Previous article

• BT wants to cut off pirate's Internet

• Next article

• Joss Stone wants her music to be shared, calls piracy brilliant

• 8 comments

• H0bbes

  Typical. I'd like to see what underhanded, questionable methods were used to "prove" this guy's guilt. They probably hired a Portuguese equivalent of MediaDefender to investigate him.
  
  
  
  
  
  *Typo edit*

  29.6.2008 13:59 #1

• c1c

  I don't understand why other countries besides the U.S. would go after piracy. Most of pirate material isn't made there. Is the U.S. putting pressure on these countries?

  29.6.2008 15:35 #2

• susieqbbb

  funny minus one problem...
  
  This involves p2p networks
  
  not bittorrent
  
  So if the uploader uploads again with bittorrent i would love to see then track the person.

  29.6.2008 16:57 #3

• domie

  Quote:The courts confirmed that there were over 100 other complaints being investigated currently. this explains why their incompetent Police Force don't have the time to catch child abductors/murderers like those responsible for the disappearance of Madeleine McCann....sharing an MP3 music file online and convicting and sending to jail the accused is of course a far more serous and worthy matter for the authorities attention.

  29.6.2008 17:16 #4

• jony218

  If they are going to make an "example" of the pirate, why has his name not being released? Isn't that what making an example of someone should be. Maybe it's some sort of "prisoner" privacy laws. They don't want to "shame" him.

  29.6.2008 20:12 #5

• area_51

  Phuck it.

  30.6.2008 05:39 #6

• ZippyDSM

  HEIL!

  30.6.2008 15:57 #7

• Blackjax

  Did you forgot to click your heels Zippy?
  
  Remember everyone YOUR a pirate in the eyes of the corporations UNTIL they have every last right taken away from you. I think I'll patent breathing air.......
  
  I'll be rich rich RICH, mwuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuuhyuhuhuhuhuhuh.....
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  oops did I say that out loud?!

  2.7.2008 01:15 #8