Trump Administration Urges Supreme Court: Internet Providers Should Not Be Forced to Disconnect Alleged Pirates
By Luke Bouma, Cord Cutters News - May 29, 2025
https://cordcuttersnews.com/trump-administration-urges-supreme-court-internet-providers-should-not-be-forced-to-disconnect-alleged-pirates/
In a significant development in the ongoing battle over internet service provider (ISP) liability for copyright infringement, the Trump administration has urged the U.S. Supreme Court to review a case involving Cox Communications and major record labels. The administration, through Solicitor General John Sauer, a Trump nominee, filed a brief on May 27, 2025, arguing that ISPs should not be compelled to terminate internet access for subscribers based solely on unproven allegations of piracy: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/05/trump-admin-tells-scotus-isps-shouldnt-be-forced-to-boot-alleged-pirates/
This stance aligns with Cox’s petition to the Supreme Court, which seeks to overturn a ruling holding the ISP liable for contributory copyright infringement. The case has far-reaching implications for the balance between copyright enforcement and internet access rights.
The dispute stems from a lawsuit filed by Sony and other record labels against Cox, alleging the ISP failed to act against subscribers accused of repeated copyright infringement. In 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit vacated a $1 billion damages award against Cox, finding no direct financial benefit from subscribers’ alleged piracy. However, the court upheld Cox’s liability for contributory infringement, prompting Cox to appeal to the Supreme Court. ….