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August 12, 2011
Help! I was sent a copyright infringement notice from ISP

Dear CNET members,

Happy Friday! Before I kick off this week's topic, I wanted to share this forum post from member FormyLovealways, who talks about the final days with his loved one. It's not a typical tech help or how-to post, but a very touching one. It's not everyday I come across a post like this but it makes me feel good that members are able to share their personal thoughts and feelings with our community. Thanks to all for keeping it real!

This week's topic is about member Lynn, who just recently was sent a claim of copyright infringement from her ISP in regard to downloading a movie. She's unaware of anyone in her household who is responsible for this and her concern is not only being blamed for something they didn't do, but the fear that her ISP connection has been compromised.

Well, Judy, you're not alone, as I read about a few people who have received notice of this sort. And for all the members who have doubts that the ISP notice is legitimate, I'll tell you firsthand that it is no hoax, as my friend's brother was sent one for downloading some copyrighted movie.

Judy, our members are here to help. If you go through this week's answers, you'll find a lot of sound advice ranging from how to tighten up your home network to prevent unauthorized access to some suggestions on how to prevent unwelcome use of your network even for people you may even know. So give them all a read. I'm sure by the time you're done, you'll have a better idea of what steps to take next. Good luck!

Since a few people have brought up some strong statements about ISP having no right to police copyright infringements, I've taken it to this week's poll. Get in there and vote and discuss! Have a great weekend and thanks for being part of this community!

(Note: there will be no newsletter delivery next week, but it will resume on the following week. See you all then.)

Cheers!
- Lee


Got suggestions? Send me an e-mail: messageboards@cnet.com

Lee Koo
Lee Koo
CNET Community manager
Last week's question
Help! I was sent a copyright infringement notice from ISP
QuestionOur Internet provider sent a notice of claim of copyright infringement from our IP address. No one in the household has knowledge of downloading the movie. I don't know where to begin to prevent this from happening again. Could a hacker or neighbor be using our IP address? Can we change the IP? I think the password for the wireless is secure since it is very random, but my son's friends have visited and may know it. Help? I don't want to blamed for something we didn't do. Any advice this situation is appreciated.

-- Submitted by: Lynn V.

AnswerFeatured member solutions
for last week's question:

 "Birds of a feather..."
-- Submitted by: mateek

 "Check your router"
-- Submitted by: High Desert Charlie

 "Copyright infri"
-- Submitted by: markandcheryl

 "Things to consider"
-- Submitted by: Awesomeguy123

 "Copyright infringement reply "
-- Submitted by: Talon MacDonald

 Read all member contributions

 Thanks to all who contributed!

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Quick pollCommunity quick poll
Weigh in on this week poll topic!
Should your ISP have a say in what type of content you are uploading/ downloading?

(Please click on button to vote)

 Yes. (Why?)
 It depends. (On what?)
 No. (Why?)
 Don't care. (Why not?)

Vote and discuss it here!
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Join our live chat here on Tuesday, August 16th, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM Pacific about tablet technology and what's right for you.

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