Music industry launches new wave of online piracy suits

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2003

NEW YORK (AFP) — The music industry stepped up its campaign against online piracy, filing 41 new lawsuits and sending 90 warning letters to those suspected of illegal swapping of songs on the Internet.

The Recording Industry Association of America -- which represents the big labels including Universal Music, Sony, Warner, EMI and BMG -- said it has secured 220 settlements with those involved in "substantial" trading of online music.

Since the RIAA began the crackdown on individual users in September, some 400 warnings have been sent out.

The RIAA said 1,054 former file sharers have submitted affidavits for the group's amnesty program.

The new strategy of going after individuals -- which has drawn fire from some free-speech activists and others --...