3 Count: Pot and Kettle

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1: TWC: Netflix Is Withholding Content to Gain ‘Unprecedented’ Access to ISPs

First off today, Todd Spangler at Multichannel News writes that Time Warner Cable is currently in negotiations with Netflix to connect with the streaming service’s content delivery network but the company is also claiming that Netflix is discriminating against them and other cable providers that don’t participate.

Last week Netflix announced its “Open Connect” content delivery network that would partner with Internet Service Providers (ISPs), such as Time Warner, to provide faster, cheaper streaming of Netflix content. The system requires Netflix to install equipment in the ISPs network and, in return, subscribers on that ISP get access to video with better picture quality and 3D content.

Cablevision and Google Fiber have both signed on to the initiative as have several overseas ISPs. While Time Warner is in negotiations, they are making their frustrations clear, saying that Netflix is asking for “unprecedented” access to ISP networks and withholding content from those who don’t offer it. Netflix says that Open Connect is provided to ISPs at no cost.

2: Canada Rejects US Bid for Megaupload Info, Kind Of

Next up today, Richard Chirgwin at The Register writes that, in a judgment handed down last week, a court in Ontario has denied a US bid to have the contents of some 32 servers that Megaupload operated in Canada. The government had sought the data as part of its ongoing criminal case against both Megaupload the company and its founder Kim Dotcom, who is currently facing extradition from New Zealand.

Megaupload had opposed the ruling saying that much of the data on those servers was not relevant to the case. However, the ruling left the door open for lawyers representing both the US government and Megaupload to craft a more refined request.

In the meantime, the servers will remain where they are and the criminal case against both the company its employees/founder will grind on.

3: The Number Of Pirates Arrested In Japan Since October Might Surprise You

Finally today, Toshi Nakamura at Kotaku writes that it has been three months since Japan enacted a new law that made illegal downloading a criminal offense. Many feared that the law would be used for widespread criminal prosecution of file sharers but, to date, no one has been charged at all under it.

Some feel that the vagueness of the law or difficulty in determining infringers may be two of the reasons that no arrests or prosecutions have been brought. Others feel that the law may have had its intended effect, shutting down many illegal sites.

In the meantime, the law remains on the books and valid for potential prosecution.

Suggestions

That’s it for the three count today. We will be back tomorrow with three more copyright links. If you have a link that you want to suggest a link for the column or have any proposals to make it better. Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I hope to hear from you.

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