Modular Story

Supreme Court Weighs Limits on ⁤ISP Liability in ⁤Music ⁤piracy Case

WASHINGTON ​- December 1,2025 ​- The Supreme Court heard arguments today in Cox Communications v. Sony Music Entertainment, a case⁤ with perhaps far-reaching implications for music piracy ⁤and internet access. Justices grappled with ⁤how‌ to balance copyright ⁣protection⁢ with concerns about overbroad internet service provider ‍(ISP) liability ​and potential disruptions to service.

The case‍ centers ⁢on whether cox Communications can⁣ be​ held responsible for copyright infringement ​committed by its customers, even if ⁣the company⁤ doesn’t ⁣directly participate ⁢in the illegal activity. Sony Music alleges cox profited ​from widespread piracy on its network and ​failed to adequately respond ​to repeated notices of infringement.

During oral arguments, Justice Sonia Sotomayor⁤ expressed concern over ⁣evidence suggesting Cox did not act on notices from ‌an‍ antipiracy ⁢company regarding users downloading or distributing copyrighted music, ‍stating, “You did nothing.”

Cox’s attorney,Rosenkranz,argued that an ISP shouldn’t be liable for customer violations even with repeated⁣ notification. Justice ⁣Amy Coney Barrett challenged this‌ position, asking what incentive Cox would have ⁣to curb piracy if not⁢ held accountable. Rosenkranz⁤ responded that Cox aims to be a responsible corporate citizen.

The case has drawn meaningful attention from various stakeholders. The Department of Justice, tech companies X and Google, ⁢and the American Civil Liberties ‍Union have ‌filed‍ briefs supporting Cox. Deputy Solicitor General Malcom Stewart acknowledged‍ a ruling for Cox could reduce incentives ⁣to stop piracy, but⁢ argued this might be acceptable to prevent “extremely ‌overbroad” service terminations.

Justices Alito and Barrett raised concerns about the⁢ potential for the lower court’s decision to‌ threaten internet access for ⁣universities and⁤ entire regions. Paul Clement, representing ‌the record ‌labels, suggested ‌the ⁢court ​could create⁣ exceptions for such scenarios. He warned that a ⁤loss for ⁣the music industry would leave ​them with⁤ limited recourse against ‌mass piracy, calling‍ individual lawsuits a “teaspoon solution ‌to an ocean problem.”

The court is expected⁤ to issue a decision⁣ by the ‍end of June or early July.The ‍outcome will likely shape ⁢the future ⁤of ⁤copyright enforcement in⁤ the digital age and define the responsibilities of ISPs in policing their‍ networks.