Piracy is unstoppable, says ISP CEO

According to Carphone Warehouse and Talk Talk CEO Charles Dunstone, piracy is unstoppable and the media industry's call to have ISPs as watchdogs is "naive" at best.

Instead, Dunstone believes a more reasonable solution is to educate users about the "benefits of respecting copyright" while also launching services that will allow consumers to get music and movies cheaper and easily.

Speaking at TalkTalk's quarterly conference call, Dunstone added:

"If you try speed humps or disconnections for peer-to-peer, people will simply either disguise their traffic or share the content another way. It is a game of Tom and Jerry and you will never catch the mouse. The mouse always wins in this battle and we need to be careful that politicians do not get talked into putting legislation in place that, in the end, ends up looking stupid."

The media industry continues to push for controversial laws such as the 'three strikes' laws that would force ISPs to disconnect multiple time offenders.

"If people want to share content they will find another way to do it," he added. "It is more about education and allowing people to get content easily and cheaply that will make a difference. This idea that it is all peer to peer and somehow the ISPs can just stop it is very naive."

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 7 Jun 2009 0:28

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44 comments

Morreale

The media industry is stupid. This proves it.

7.6.2009 01:13 #1

shummyr

Originally posted by Morreale: The media industry is stupid. This proves it.Yea the movie and music industry is stuck in the 1800s

7.6.2009 01:30 #2

jony218

education doesn't work, being tough doesn't work, cheaper price doesn't work, DRM doesn't work, rootkit doesn't work.

Some people are just too cheap to ever buy anything especially if they can get it for free. Your never convert them.

Putting people in jail is the only thing that works, but as soon as they are release, they go back to there old habits.

7.6.2009 01:35 #3

shummyr

i think if its for personal use they shouldnt bother them but
its for profit then they should punish them

7.6.2009 01:37 #4

nintenut

Finally, some sense. Props to this guy, shame that TalkTalk sucks.

Originally posted by jony218: education doesn't work, being tough doesn't work, cheaper price doesn't work, DRM doesn't work, rootkit doesn't work.

Some people are just too cheap to ever buy anything especially if they can get it for free. Your never convert them.

Putting people in jail is the only thing that works, but as soon as they are release, they go back to there old habits.
So... Putting people in jail doesn't work? But it's the only way that does work.
Reading posts like these is fun.

7.6.2009 02:38 #5

ZippyDSM

They need to stay out of our bedrooms and only break the door down if we are selling copy righted goods out the window...

7.6.2009 03:10 #6

Adamontar

The only time piracy is going to stop is when buying software or movies you are going to get a better deal then the pirated versions.

Not just about having lower pricess in software and movies but also say you own a dvd movie and you damage the disc you should get a replacment from the store.

This is not going to happen. So pircay will never go away.

The truth is pirates provide a better deal.

Whats this that pircay hurts the economy or movie makers.

If piracy really was doing any damage you would not have actors making millions per movie, or movies having such high budgets.

Piracy is not doing anything. Maybe instead of having 100 million dollars they 98 million dollars.

7.6.2009 04:00 #7

ZippyDSM

Originally posted by Adamontar: The only time piracy is going to stop is when buying software or movies you are going to get a better deal then the pirated versions.

Not just about having lower pricess in software and movies but also say you own a dvd movie and you damage the disc you should get a replacment from the store.

This is not going to happen. So pircay will never go away.

The truth is pirates provide a better deal.

Whats this that pircay hurts the economy or movie makers.

If piracy really was doing any damage you would not have actors making millions per movie, or movies having such high budgets.

Piracy is not doing anything. Maybe instead of having 100 million dollars they 98 million dollars.Even if you do that you will still have it because there are those that will rail against the system no matter how perfect it is...

7.6.2009 04:03 #8

llongtheD

@jony

Putting people in jail is the only thing that works?
Did I read that right?

7.6.2009 06:09 #9

badkrma

making it cheaper to buy legit will bring people back. At least that is my 2 cents

7.6.2009 09:11 #10

windsong

Only two would be able to stop it: God, and the Devil (AntiChrist).

And the RIAA is neither.

7.6.2009 12:44 #11

ZippyDSM

Originally posted by windsong: Only two would be able to stop it: God, and the Devil (AntiChrist).

And the RIAA is neither.Just wait till world governments let them police media infringement!
:P

7.6.2009 12:50 #12

ntense69

they is always teh case of me buying a cd and or dvd and copying it for a friend but i suppose since im not making profit its still is illegal to copy a disk for a friend

7.6.2009 13:33 #13

budro

Ultimately, he's correct. If someone, anyone, wants to do something bad enough, they'll find away. And some of the minds on the scene are some of the most brilliant minds out there.
Bottom line, he's correct. Media companies need to provide a benefit from purchasing legit material. They need to provide incentive, and everybody, ISP's including, should press the issue of copyright education.

7.6.2009 14:58 #14

fidge6679

I personally download movies, if its good I will go see it in the cinema/buy in BD after but there is noway that I will waste money for no reason. Trailers are no go as they only highlight the best possible pasts of a movie.

I only download for me, I never back up to disk.

7.6.2009 15:57 #15

fidge6679

Originally posted by fidge6679: I personally download movies, if its good I will go see it in the cinema/buy in BD after but there is noway that I will waste money for no reason. Trailers are no go as they only highlight the best possible parts of a movie.

I only download for me, I never back up to disk.

7.6.2009 16:03 #16

shummyr

Originally posted by ZippyDSM: They need to stay out of our bedrooms and only break the door down if we are selling copy righted goods out the window...I hear you they need to keep there nose in there own buisness

7.6.2009 17:52 #17

ZippyDSM

Quote:Originally posted by ZippyDSM: They need to stay out of our bedrooms and only break the door down if we are selling copy righted goods out the window...I hear you they need to keep there nose in there own buisnessTheir noses are to busy following white lines.... >>

7.6.2009 19:22 #18

shummyr

Quote:Quote:Originally posted by ZippyDSM: They need to stay out of our bedrooms and only break the door down if we are selling copy righted goods out the window...I hear you they need to keep there nose in there own buisnessTheir noses are to busy following white lines.... >>Thats right they sniff so many drugs they dont know what is right and wrong up and down straight or crooked any ways you get my drift

8.6.2009 02:02 #19

platdream

killing is crime..one can get vene life imprisonment because of this..
still people are killing others even just for fun....
atleast piracy ll nt get u life imprisonment. :P

8.6.2009 07:48 #20

ZippyDSM

Originally posted by platdream: killing is crime..one can get vene life imprisonment because of this..
still people are killing others even just for fun....
atleast piracy ll nt get u life imprisonment. :P
Yet.............

8.6.2009 07:50 #21

Mez

Except for pricing, the media has been very smart. Please note... they are trying to force others to do the policing without any support from them. They LOVE to dump on the world! That is what the do best. They started with the artists, then the public, now industry. Forcing the ISPs to go on a fool's errand for them without any assistance from them is all part of their game plan. They don't care how much it costs as long as they don't pay for it, other than bribing the politicians. That they must do anyway to keep all the unjust laws inplace.

I forgot China!
They have just made a law to rid China from piracy lol!

All computers sold in China will have IP blockers. I guess they think persons would never remove the software. That is what happens when old farts make all the laws.

8.6.2009 08:04 #22

shummyr

Originally posted by Mez: Except for pricing, the media has been very smart. Please note... they are trying to force others to do the policing without any support from them. They LOVE to dump on the world! That is what the do best. They started with the artists, then the public, now industry. Forcing the ISPs to go on a fool's errand for them without any assistance from them is all part of their game plan. They don't care how much it costs as long as they don't pay for it, other than bribing the politicians. That they must do anyway to keep all the unjust laws inplace.

I forgot China!
They have just made a law to rid China from piracy lol!

All computers sold in China will have IP blockers. I guess they think persons would never remove the software. That is what happens when old farts make all the laws.I think its time fow a reformat and reinstallation of your operating system

8.6.2009 13:00 #23

H_Seldon

I wonder what ways they're talking about that people can share their content, if the loons in government pass a French 3 strikes law in America.

8.6.2009 16:48 #24

Mez

fidge6679, I missed your post on the first read.

Good for you!

8.6.2009 18:49 #25

EMIR

they have 3 strike in usa but i go to public library and download all what i need haaaaaaahaaa

8.6.2009 19:41 #26

UnDedFish

Quote:Originally posted by windsong: Only two would be able to stop it: God, and the Devil (AntiChrist).

And the RIAA is neither.Just wait till world governments let them police media infringement!
:PCopyright Concentration Camp???

8.6.2009 21:51 #27

ZippyDSM

Quote:Quote:Originally posted by windsong: Only two would be able to stop it: God, and the Devil (AntiChrist).

And the RIAA is neither.Just wait till world governments let them police media infringement!
:PCopyright Concentration Camp???Ya and they churn out the content the media mafia sales...oh the irony!!!
LOL

==========================

BTW everyone check out my long post here, its the 9th comment down, ot frist comment by me.

http://www.gamepolitics.com/2009/06/08/e...s-piracy-drm-e3

I would post it here but its a wall of text!

8.6.2009 21:54 #28

dagger200

I love the MPAA's way of thinking, we are losing money so why not make the isp's lose money by making them cut off paying customers. How long does the MPAA expect the ISP's will cooperate when they see how much money they will lose, by cutting off a good chunk of their customers?

9.6.2009 16:40 #29

H_Seldon

Speaking at TalkTalk's quarterly conference call, Dunstone added:

"If you try speed humps or disconnections for peer-to-peer, people will simply either disguise their traffic or share the content another way."

Does anyone know what he's talking about?

9.6.2009 17:16 #30

ZippyDSM

Originally posted by H_Seldon: Speaking at TalkTalk's quarterly conference call, Dunstone added:

"If you try speed humps or disconnections for peer-to-peer, people will simply either disguise their traffic or share the content another way."

Does anyone know what he's talking about?If you try and disrupt the flow of torrents the "water" will still find a way to where its going.

9.6.2009 17:59 #31

EricCarr

Originally posted by llongtheD: @jony

Putting people in jail is the only thing that works?
Did I read that right?Then that guy has access to the library computer in the jail to upload his files!

9.6.2009 19:11 #32

ak472009

well piracy is not the only thing that is loosing money , look at the actors , the singer and their agent who make fat cash just signing a deal for 5 mins , and then bleed ordinary people for high priced media content , no matter what happens pirates were , are , and will always be there , the only way you can fight is summon to what everybody wants cheaper media content , if you fight with fire then you will be fought equally

10.6.2009 07:37 #33

Interestx

As everyone with a brain knows.

I see Sarkosy's attempt to grovel to the entertainemnt industry has fallen flat on it's face too -

Quote:The French judiciary has ridden to the rescue of the country's web users, striking down a controversial new law which would have allowed the state to cut off the internet connections of illegal filesharers for up to a year.
h**p://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/jun/10/france-hadopi-law-filesharing

Just like anyone informed about French & EU law knew it would be.
Priceless.
What idiocy will they try next?

11.6.2009 07:44 #34

Mez

Probably suing person with digital music or videos or pictures on their ipod. At least trying to turn the world into a police state. They hope that will intise people to buy more of their over priced wares.

11.6.2009 12:27 #35

H_Seldon

Interestx the guardian link was interesting - I had hopes in the beginning for Sarkosy, but I see he's gone the way of every democratic dictator.
There was a story about 4oD, but then I found you have to be a resident of the U.K. to watch all this great television. I'm trying to figure out a way around this restriction. The U.S. has got a lot of free online product, but again you have to live in the U.S.
Only when we all figure out how to access this content from anywhere in the world will they drop their attempts to restrict us from getting it.
Same with downloading - only when we all know how to disguise our traffic will they allow us to get it without fear of their dogs and boots.

11.6.2009 14:34 #36

Mez

H_Seldon, the trouble with disguising traffic is that if you use a large band width, the ISPs will investigate. That is what got the torrents in trouble. They were using over 70% of the worlds band width at their high point. It is like trying to hide a house in a vegitable patch.

They will be after news groups next.

12.6.2009 07:41 #37

bogwart16

Originally posted by Mez: H_Seldon, the trouble with disguising traffic is that if you use a large band width, the ISPs will investigate. That is what got the torrents in trouble. They were using over 70% of the worlds band width at their high point. It is like trying to hide a house in a vegitable patch.I saw that figure bandied around too, and it has to be bullcrap. The BBC iPlayer on its own is using many petabytes a month, and then you have all the content downloads from the likes of YouTube. Add to that four TRILLION spam emails a year, and all the legitimate downloads like iTunes, and it makes that figure of 70% look silly.

12.6.2009 15:14 #38

burnin1

Finally someone with some common sense, hes right u cant stop it, and the more they push to get these ridiculous laws passed, the more ppl wanna do it. Especially when pc, electronics, etc are always getting produced everyday. More pcs = greater possiblity of piracy. Personally if I produced a cd and it was uploaded, I would feel honored, that ppl like the music

12.6.2009 21:00 #39

jimbo46

As much as I hate the whole darn copyrights issue, my ISP, MEDIACOM, dinged me for a total of FOUR DAYS OFFLINE after my son downloaded a copy of underworld to preview (he since bought the entire series). So you see, they do get the isp to do the work for them. Mediacom said that if they didn't ding us then they could be shut down by the FCC ??? And this is after they collected over $200. for our internet, phone and TV services (makes ATT look better all the time.)

12.6.2009 23:10 #40

robertmro

The films of Georges M�li�s were pirated before 1900.
Basically, film pirating is as old as film.
It may be a crime, but no one has ever been able to stop it and never will.

13.6.2009 00:25 #41

gmontalc

The system has taught us to be money hungry and greedy, now that we are, they want us to be slaves from their establishment. No wonder why this world is in deep economical trouble, I don't think it's piracy, the bottom line problem relies only in a growing few group of greedy people that want to get richer at any cost. look at the Housing fiasco, at the Automotive 'con man' Industries, at the Communication Industries..( those peoples aren't in jail ), ect.

These problems are way much of impact for the world economics than for a few ones sharing or stealing media content. This is all materialistics.

13.6.2009 15:51 #42

vudoo

There is a new p2p app in town called BitBlender. It bakes both Uploading and Downloading totally anonymous. Its FREE to boot. Take that RIAA now nothing can stop it.

If you like Progressive Rock, Classic Rock, Classic Alternative then check out my radio station at thelegacyradio.tripod.com or search shoutcast.com for The Legacy.

15.6.2009 01:39 #43

Mez

vudoo, is BitBlender a 'simple p2p' darknet? Meaning it is a one step process like Lime Wire that is heavily encrypted and only responds to someone you know. They are good in that they are encrypted and because not many persons use them they are ignored by the cyber police. The huge down side is you need to know the person you share with. If you know them you can just use the mail.

I will need to check out your radio station.

15.6.2009 07:15 #44

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