Supreme Court shields internet providers from piracy liability

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Wednesday that internet service providers (ISPs) like Cox Communications are not liable for copyright infringement committed by their subscribers.

The landmark decision reverses a 2024 appeals court ruling and effectively ends a long-standing legal battle initiated by Sony Music Entertainment and other major record labels.

The music labels had originally sought $1 billion in damages, arguing that Cox failed to terminate the accounts of users repeatedly flagged for pirating music.

However, several justices, including Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor, and Neil Gorsuch, questioned the practicality of the record labels’ request last year.

Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that to be held responsible, a provider must have intended to facilitate or actively encouraged the illegal activity.