Tag: Wifi

No liability for free Wifi providers

16. September 2016

The European Court of Justice decided that free Wifi providers are not liable for illegal downloads.

The decision is based on a case between Sony and a German shop owner. Sony sued the German shop owner due to the fact that an internet user unlawfully offered music downloads by using the shop’s free Wifi. Although the case originated in Munich, the judges referred the issue to the European Court of Justice.

The European Court of Justice then found that free Wifi is provided by companies in order to attract potential customers. Therefore, they cannot be held liable for illegal acts committed by others using this respective internet network.

Furthermore, Sony can not claim compensation or seek reimbursement for its court costs.

Nevertheless, the European Court of Justice ruled that Sony could demand internet connections to be password protected, so that a user is required to identify himself before accessing the Wifi.

 

 

Category: EU · European Court of Justice
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