BT call for file sharing data halt
BT is trying to secure a moratorium to stop law firms seeking data on its customers accused of illegally sharing files over the net. After a high profile leak last week, the telecoms company is asking for no more requests for data until a test case on internet service providers is heard.
The names and address of thousands of the firm’s customers were sent last week to law firm ACS:Law in an unsecure email. The customers on the list are believed to have been illegally downloading and sharing music and pornography over the internet.
A hearing a London’s High Court this week was adjourned until January next year. According to a lawyer working on behalf of BT, a test case will be heard.
Along with ACS:Law, the Gallant Macmillan legal firm are also trying to get BT to release the details of customers who they believe have been stealing music from the Ministry of Sound. The broadband users in question are customers of BT’s PlusNet, BSkyB and Be Internet service providers.
Last week, customer information was leaked after BT sent an unencrypted email to the boss of ACS:Law. After harsh criticism and calls for BT to be fined under the Data Protection Act, the company is now seeking to review the security systems of any law firm asking for their customers’ details.