That is what I found while exploring the dark and soft-side of the Internet. Most of the ISPs use filters (software) to determine whether the Internet user is doing P2P or streaming HD videos at a particular time.
Once they know, start throttling the bandwidth. Also, people on Reddit were discussing the observations; around 80% of them were pointing to downloading, and HD streaming would be the actual cause of this.
When you download a torrent, you get in a huge pool with people that are doing the same thing as you. Downloading the game/song/movie. The publisher's 'spy', so to speak, gets a list of all the IP addresses that are downloading and seeding that torrent. After that, open the Downloader, paste your torrent link (or magnet link) inside the box and press submit. Now Myfastfile will download the file you have selected for you, and you can download it straight from their servers. I do believe Goldenfrog should be able to explain how there. The DMCA notice associated with the account was due to BitTorrent activity.
That makes sense. Right?
These days’ people take follow ups of their favorite shows by accessing the streaming channels like Netflix and HBO Now. It disturbs the bandwidth distribution and force ISPs to throttle the internet connection.
Can a VPN Stop Throttling?
I had never faced ISP throttling, luckily, because I’m living outside the USA. However, a friend of mine, who was the user of Comcast facing the same problem.
So, we have experimented a VPN for that purpose. To know, whether VPN evades the throttling of ISP or not?
We used NordVPN for that reason and found good results. It’s like 5 to 6% reduction to our regular internet speed, which is perfect and supposes to happen because of encryption.
Is That Make Sense?
Yes, once you connected a VPN, Your ISP couldn’t know what exact task you’re doing it’s because of encryption. That means the filters of ISP goes limited.
These are the ISPs who admitted that we are throttling the bandwidth of users for own interest.
Comcast
Spectrum
Verizon
AT&T
Straight Talk
Cox Communications
When the internet user spends a lot for the subscription, he/she must have the right to receive guaranteed speed.
Recognize and Bypass ISP Throttling
At most times, these are the reasons that might be causing a lag in your internet.
You can identify the data throttling problem and implement its particular solution.
Delaying bills – If an ISP detects a regular pattern of delaying bill payments, they can participate in internet throttling.
Torrenting/Streaming – Most internet users complain that they experience slow internet when they start torrenting or streaming in HD quality. This is true because ISPs tend to throttle a connection if they catch a system indulging in heavy tasks like torrenting.
Too many users – This point is self-explanatory because as users, connected to a single network, increase, your internet is bound to be throttled.
Most frequently torrenting or streaming HD video is the primary object that causes internet throttling over a network. After a lot of research and analysis in online communities, I have discovered a legitimate VPN to be the most effective method to bypass ISP throttling in this scenario.
Note: If something is still not clear to you about the throttling of your bandwidth, you can continue to read until you get a complete understanding of it.
What Is Internet Throttling?
Internet throttling is defined when your Internet Service Provider (ISP) interferes with your broadband connection while doing any specific task. This technique is well known and is exploited by ISPs, on the internet, to regulate network congestion and monitor a device’s system on the web.
It was very late until throttling became popular amongst internet users and ISPs admitted that it had been going on for quite a while. ISP throttling is difficult to identify since various algorithms are running behind for the purpose to regulate internet data on specific activities.
Problems because of ISP Throttling?
Internet throttling disrupts your online experience to the extreme. This interference can occur in the following procedures.
Buffers while streaming YouTube or Netflix in HD.
Sudden lag and delays in gaming.
Downloading and Torrenting takes enough time.
These are the limitations which a throttled connection can cause to your network.
However, you can bypass ISP throttling by configuring a VPN respective to your device as it forms a separate an encrypted lane. More, it manages the factor of anonymity along with fast speed.
Doubtful Motives for Internet Throttling
Apart from popular ISPs in the USA, the rest of them are convicted of throttling without any reasonable claim. A quick Google search can uncover the list of ISPs that have a record of Internet throttling without providing any legitimate reasons.
Comcast’s case in 2007 to throttle torrent website is a famous example. It is an unbelievable instance of an ISP doing a mysterious activity to restrict their cost and congestions. In retaliation, Comcast had to say that they did this to ensure the safety of their clients.
That wasn’t the main time an ISP was gotten out for purposefully corrupting their administration without any genuine reasons. Big players in the market like Charter and Cox have faced severe issues for ISP throttling as well.
In August 2018, Charter was accused of Netflix throttling. Therefore, if you are using Charter’s internet service and face a lag while using Netflix, you know what’s happening behind.
How To Bypass ISP Throttling?
Usually, the internet service provider’s limit’s the user’s network speed, especially on weekends. Because in those days people use more internet for the purpose of streaming or downloading. Due to the limitation, it takes a more time in completing that work.
People who face this problem they use VPN service for bypassing ISP throttling because it collects all the information and encrypts by sending it through a secure pipeline. When the data goes through this process it becomes undetectable for ISP to decode that information and see what activities a user is performing.
Best VPNs to Stop ISP Throttling
For choosing a VPN entitled as the ‘Best VPN for throttling’ you should look for a variety of factors.
You must check out the security protocols that will ensure your online presence.
The VPN must have Kill Switch. It will not leak your DNS when your connection drops.
1. ExpressVPN
Are you a privacy paranoid and seek instant questioning? ExpressVPN should be your solution. It secures your WiFi connection and safeguards your personal information.
There are no delays when you are streaming any service and you can enjoy server switching with no limits.
Value Benefits:
Dedicated servers for P2P network and Streaming.
Free access to the world of internet.
24/7 customer support.
Zero-logs policy.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is a privacy conscious VPN and is located in Panama. It is considered as one of the safest VPN to evade throttled connection which a layman or IT expert can use.
It uses extraordinary features such as Kill Switch, NAT firewalls, and strong protection protocols to secure your connection on the web.
Value Benefits:
Applies double VPN for the safety of transaction.
Deducts the malware and blocks ads appearance.
Easy to set up on multiple devices.
Strict No-logs policy.
Is Throttling Illegal?
The response is a bit mystified, and it relies upon where on earth your ISP is based. There might be extra terms like ‘a nature of administration and restricting shared movement’. ISPs without a doubt do hold a considerable measure of rights with regards to what they committed to serve.
The FFC has canceled Net Neutrality and it just appears that throttling is ending up increasingly normal. In this manner, ISPs will now be able to obstruct whatever sites they esteem wrong, force throttling on particular sites, and even enjoy the paid subscription.
What to check in a VPN to Avoid ISP throttling?
The reason to opt a VPN, is that it would not let ISP to throttle your surfing experience. More, a VPN just cater your anonymity, it must provide you some essential traits that can furnish your online privacy.
Kill Switch – If your internet drops, there must be a program to block your internet data leaking out. The Kill Switch will block all gateways from your DNS getting leaked. This is a must check feature since your connection can drop because of maximum throttling.
Split Tunneling – It allows mobile users to interface with different network domains like LAN and Public WiFi. A mobile user would utilize multiple networks according to its location, thus leaving no time for ISPs to throttle the network.
Security Protocols – VPNs come up with various protocols. L2TP, IPSec, PPTP are the leading examples and they have minor differences. Their purpose is to encrypt your transferred data from being caught by your ISP.
VPN Servers – A reliable VPN service will have a server coverage across the globe spanning multiple countries. Tip for you would be to choose a “VPN server” near to your region. With this, your content won’t be buffered, nor any delays would occur.
Why do ISPs throttle your bandwidth?
What most ISPs state is that throttling during occasions, enables them to diminish the blockage over their system. So, this brings down the amount of information they need to process at a time, sparing them the need to purchase expensive hardware to deal with the lift in rush hours and transfer speed requests. However, there is dependably a shot of abuse.
Some may deliberately back off internet speed to save money, which clearly results in the client suffering. Some ISPs may throttle your data when the program is active from a specific site. For example, Netflix, since streaming HD movies might cost ISPs some bucks, they prevent this by throttling your bandwidth.
How do VPNs bypass ISP Throttling?
A VPN comes handy when you want to bypass ISP throttling. It prevents ISPs from playing around with your internet speed. A VPN keeps your online traffic unknown which is achieved through strong encryption. Although, the fact that you are using a VPN will be shown to your ISP.
Your Internet Service Provider will not be able to see the activity you perform on the web. Your ISP cannot decipher the incoming bits and throttle your internet according to it. Thus, your torrent activity will be safe and no authorized entity will have any authority to interfere your activity.
Is Network Throttled? Run Speed Test To Know
Internet users around the world face speed throttling issues but a common user cannot check whether ISP throttling the speed or not? There are tools in the network industry that can be used for this reason. You can conduct the test given:
Regular Speed Test
If you are uncertain whether your internet data is being throttled or not, you can utilize a speed test. It is a technique with which you can see the speed of your current internet connection.
Download Xfinity Stream
You can conduct an internet speed by using Testmy.net or Speedtest.net. Some internet users are often skeptical that their internet speed gets lessen when the end of the month approaches.
This is one form of ISP throttling and you should run a speed test every week if your ISP throttles your connection as the last day of the month approaches.
Internet Health Test
It’s a tool that detects any degradation of your internet and helps you in determining ISP throttling. The test uses codes and infrastructure from M-Labs, it sends the traffic from your device to a certain point which is present outside of your ISPs network.
The Internet Health Test notices any sign of congestion between your ISP and the measure points. If the difference is large then your ISP throttling the speed. You must conduct a series of tests to get the right results and plan accordingly to resolve the problems.
Bypass ISP Throttling on Android
Android user faces the speed dropping issues especially when they’re streaming or downloading. This extremely frustrates the users and turns them towards a VPN software.
A VPN disables the ISP throttling restriction and stables the network speed. It doesn’t only bypass the throttling on Android device but also protects the sharing of data over external servers.
To avoid such throttled connection, follow the below procedure and get rid of slow internet.
Get the reliable VPN service.
Go to ‘Official Site’ of VPN and ‘Sign Up’ your account.
Download and install the VPN client on your Android phone.
Enter your Log-In ID and Password.
Select the nearest ‘VPN Server’ Location.
Click the ‘Connect’ option.
ISP allocates a specific bandwidth limit for all user, the consumption of bandwidth results in you as bandwidth throttling. There are browsers and apps available for Android users that help in consuming less data which includes Onavo Extend and OperaMax.
Moreover, there is a feature in the android phones called the “Data Compression”, it uses to reduce the monthly bandwidth usage which effects in the increase of speed.
To enable the android phone built-in data compression option which sustains the bandwidth use the mentioned steps:
Go to > ‘Settings’.
Tab > ‘Bandwidth Management’.
Select ‘Reduce Data Usage’ to enable compression.
Avoid ISP Throttling on iPhone
IPhone has gained an overwhelming popularity among the mobile users all around the world. This is because the features induced in iPhone are unique and different from other smartphones. Also, iPhone is considered as the finest device on maintaining quality of those features.
Unfortunately, these sparkles have shaded some of the security lacks prevailing in bypassing speed limitation while streaming is necessary to keep a decent user experience. The use of innovative technology allows the ISPs to throttle the speed.
Internet users are applying different methods to bypass ISP throttling on iPhone. A VPN is an excellence option that enhances the network security which makes your streaming secure without dropping the speed.
You can follow these steps to bypass throttling on iPhone while streaming the videos.
To choose a VPN service for iPhone.
Visit the VPN website and create your VPN account.
Download and install the VPN app on your iPhone.
Once the installation process gets completed, activate your VPN client.
Choose ‘VPN Server’ and click ‘connect’.
Prominent Avoidance of ISP Throttling on Windows
Users not only experience the dropping of connection on smartphones and tablets but on laptops and PCs as well. Many users have complained about bandwidth throttling when they were browsing the internet. Usually, apps like Skype and download manager use the internet data. By closing these apps the browsing will consider a massive change in speed.
Also, you can bypass ISP throttling and experience the quality internet browsing by applying some tricks. The users of Safari and Opera can bypass throttling by enabling the ‘data saving mode’. This will reduce overall data compression in quick time.
These are the steps to enable data compression mode on windows:
Go to > ‘Browser Settings’.
Tab the ‘Bandwidth Management’.
Now click ‘Reduce Data Usage’.
Check the ‘Enable Compression’.
Bypass ISP Throttling on uTorrent
One of the most widespread torrent website used by internet freaks is UTorrent. Unluckily, a number of ISPs limit your bandwidth and if you’ll begin your upload and download session on uTorrent, your ISP will surely throttle your internet speed and take quick action.
Internet users must thank VPNs who enables them to bypass ISP throttling on uTorrent. It maintains the anonymity of internet connection during the process of torrenting with fast speed. A VPN functions by paving your uTorrent data packets from their own servers, instead of your ISPs servers, thus bandwidth throttling bypassed.
Stop ISP Throttling on YouTube
Whenever we talk about streaming videos on the web, YouTube is the first option for every internet user. Having its popularity amongst billions of people around the globe, watch videos from the category you desire ranging from news to gaming.
But wait, hold on for a second. Isn’t watching HQ videos without any sort of lag or buffering a difficult thing when your ISP is having a view of all the activities you do online and the routing of your internet traffic.
When you open YouTube and begin to stream, your ISP throttles your internet and causes disruptions during playback. This issue can be solved when a VPN is enabled on your device, so if it is there, sideline ISP throttling and have the fun of unlimited streaming on YouTube with HD quality.
To check whether your YouTube streaming is being throttled or not, You need to visit Google Video Quality Report. This show how your internet is performing when interfacing with any of a YouTube server. If the rest of the sites work fine apart from YouTube, then it’s most likely that your YouTube connection is being throttled.
Stop Netflix Buffering or Throttling
Suppose you are watching a Netflix original and the video starts buffering, what actually happened? If your experience continuous buffers on Netflix then your ISP is throttling your internet usage.
To stop Netflix buffering or throttling, there’s the solution for every strenuous task and that is to use a VPN.
Install a Netflix VPN on your device.
Connect to an optimized server.
Choose the nearest location.
Click the button “connect”.
As stated above, your internet activity is concealed and your ISP is in no position to throttle your connection whatsoever. Do run a speed test on fast.com owned by Netflix.
If your internet speed appears lesser than the speed shown from a regular speed test platform, then your ISP is playing around with your Netflix connection.
Bypass T-Mobile Data Throttling
T-Mobile exists as one of the largest telecom providers worldwide. With operating in over 18 countries around the world, it is considered to be one of the most significant data carriers. It facilitates its users with efficient package plans as well as spectacular features.
However, one drawback faced by the users is that T-Mobile practices throttling of data.
Following are the steps to bypass T-Mobile data throttling.
Go to “settings.”
Select: “Wireless & Network”, > Mobile Network.
Tap: on “Access Point Names” > T-Mobile APN and scroll to APN type.
Tap: on “APN Type” and edit it by adding “dun” at the end.
Restart your device.
Bypass ISP Data Cap with VPN
Data caps from ISPs are inevitable, means that an internet users cannot evade themselves. You cannot bypass data cap and that’s a fact. However, there are certain ways through which you can enjoy your internet usage a bit longer.
These are the methods which you can apply to bypass ISP data cap and have a smooth internet connection.
Install data compression in your browser.
Use a VPN utilizing compression.
Download data-saving apps.
More Tactics to Avoid ISP throttling
You can make use proxy servers to bypass ISP throttling. A proxy serves an intermediary with you and the server of the website you wish to access. It isn’t as efficient as a VPN, but it can become important when your VPN application is malfunctioning.
One more method to evade the throttling of ISP is by using Tor. Tor, abbreviated from The Onion Router, uses an onion routing method to surf on the web. Your request is transferred from server to server across the globe which makes it really slow.
However, if you feel skeptical of your privacy, then there’s no better option available than Tor. It blocks trackers from spying you down and you are never spied from any programs or websites. Most journalists and personalities utilize Tor for their research to be confidential.
AT&T Throttling Workaround
AT&T was filed with a lawsuit by the FTC due to its practice of internet throttling. In 2014, AT&T was accused of throttling the internet data of their customers which were claimed as to be unlimited. Over 3.5 million users were affected because of this act.
You can trick the AT&T systems by interfacing with a VPN. Your entire web activity will seem nothing to them except ciphered text. Additionally, your web activity will be encrypted in a secure channel.
Comcast Throttling Netflix
Throttling is an action which performs by Comcast to minimize the extra usage of data signals. Whenever an internet traffic spike appears on the servers of Comcast in-regards to Netflix streaming or torrenting.
Suddenly, the Netflix user starts to lose the strength of bandwidth and becomes inadequate to complete the process. That moment the Comcast partialize the internet connection among all the clients.
The extermination of Comcast throttling can be ended by using a VPN software. It bypasses the throttling and maintains the internet speed. This opportune process can be through by changing the IP address of other location. It enables in achieving the fast speed and user would not be able to track for throttling by Comcast.
Verizon Data Throttling Hack
The ideal approach to stop Verizon from throttling Netflix or YouTube is to utilize a VPN. It will help veil your browsing activity from Verizon. Most substantial organizations with a national and global proximity have been utilizing VPNs for a considerable length of time.
VPNs enable anybody with a web association with interface safely to a remotely found server. For organizations, that implies enabling telecommuters to interface with organization servers and access essential reports abide by the workplace.
When associated with the VPN server, any information going among you and the private server is vigorously scrambled. Neither Verizon nor any others can keep an eye on what you’re seeing.
Conclusion
ISPs have got more control over the browsing activities which has raised speed throttling as the biggest concern for users. ISP is a kind of invasion that is violating the equal rights and should be eliminated. We have suggested you different ways to bypass ISP throttling on above devices that will surely help you to regain the internet speed.
Until recently, I’d never actually met anyone that had received a copyright infringement letter for downloading films on the internet. Their Internet Service Provider contacted them directly, informing that they would be taken them to court unless they agree to pay a set fine.
My friend was culpable and not wanting to risk a court appearance as well as a large fine, settled with his ISP and the copyright holder.
Receiving a copyright infringement notice is worrying. What happens if you receive a copyright notice? How does your ISP know about your copyright infringement?
“We Are Writing to Inform You…”
“We are writing to inform you that [your ISP] recently received notification from a copyright owner of a copyright violation that appears to involve [your ISP account]. The work(s) identified by the copyright owner in its complaint are listed below.
We are contacting you because our records indicate that the internet Protocol (IP) address provided to us by the copyright owner was assigned to your service on the date and time identified by the copyright owner.”
A letter containing those words is usually a precursor for a series of negative events. Copyright infringement is a serious crime that ISPs have a duty to investigate. After all, their network is the focal point of the copyright infringement.
Your ISP is tracking your every movement online. They can see the sites you visit, when you visit them, how long you lurk there, and more. Your ISP can also see your download activity, including any peer-to-peer services (torrenting, for instance), which they will link directly to your IP address.
“Please note that we have not provided any of your private information to the copyright holder at this time. [ISP] will not provide your identifying information without a lawful subpoena or other lawful process. However, upon receipt of a lawful subpoena or other lawful process [your ISP] will release your information to the copyright owner.”
Your ISP might not release your details immediately. The vast majority of ISPs release a warning similar to this after receiving a notice of copyright infringement. However, as the infringement warning states, if the ISP receives a lawful request, they have to comply. It is the law.
You cannot simply change your ISP to escape a copyright infringement notification, either. You might get a clean slate with a new ISP. But unless you are changing your address, and in reality, your name, that copyright infringement record will follow you around. As with many things relating to the law, it is difficult to run from your problems.
What Is Copyright Infringement?
When a studio releases a film or a musician releases an album into the public realm, the vast majority of the time, this content features copyright protection. It isn’t just music or films. Photographs, paintings, books, articles, podcasts, and countless other types of content carry copyright.
Copyright is a legal right that protects work, granting the original content creator exclusive rights over the ownership and distribution of the work. Copyright can and does expire. Most major copyright holders extend the copyright of important works to maintain their control over their original content (or over copyright purchased from other creators).
When you receive a copyright infringement notice from your ISP, it will contain the exact copyright allegedly broken on your network.
For instance, a Comcast notice of claim of copyright infringement will feature an email subject line such as “Notice of Action under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).” The email body explains Comcast’s obligation to notify the network user (you) that a copyright owner has found an infringement on your network.
The email will also list the copyright infringing work, usually using the exact file name, the infringing IP address, the infringement type (e.g., P2P, illegal stream, etc.), and the reporting copyright owner.
The following Comcast DMCA notice was sent after the original poster downloaded the original World of Warcraft 1.12 Client using a torrent program:
A copyright infringement notification one of my viewers received after downloading the Nostalrius/Elysium Vanilla WoW Client
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/8TA2oPHUse
— Zack (@Asmongold) January 5, 2017
Of course, it isn’t just Comcast that send DMCA takedown notices. ISPs are compelled by law to send the notice, regardless of their “stance” on pirating. Word to the wise, ISPs stance on pirating isn’t good.
The Google Fiber DMCA copyright infringement varies, depending on the “amount” of copyright infringement. However, the Google Fiber DMCA usually reads “Notice of Unauthorized Use of Copyrights Owned by [insert copyright owner].” Like the Comcast DMCA email, it instructs the network owner as to the copyright infringing work, the IP address, and so on.
Copyright infringement emails and letters from Verizon, Bell, Rogers, and other U.S.A. ISPs all follow a similar pattern.
AMC Issues DMCA Threats Regarding The Walking Dead
Copyright infringement isn’t always obvious, either. For instance, Season Six of AMC’s The Walking Dead finished on a massive cliff-hanger. Understandably, during the off-season, fan sites began speculating as to the outcome of the cliff-hanger (I’m trying hard not to include any spoilers here!).
However, AMC threated The Walking Dead fan site, The Spoiling Dead with legal action. If during their speculation regarding the cliff hanger they hit upon the correct outcome for the return to Season Seven, “AMC says they will sue us . . . Their stance is that making such a prediction would be considered copyright infringement.”
Game of Thrones IP-Echelon DMCA Notices
Certain titles attract higher levels of pirating. In recent years, Game of Thrones copyright owner, HBO, has sent tens of thousands of copyright infringement notices as fans pirate the latest Game of Thrones series. HBO teamed up with the anti-piracy company, IP-Echelon, to serve and enforce the copyright infringement notices.
However, HBO also took another step to reducing the amount of Game of Thrones pirating taking place. Instead of restricting Game of Thrones to cable-only, it first added each series to its on-demand streaming serviceThe Best HBO Shows of All Time and Where to Stream ThemThe Best HBO Shows of All Time and Where to Stream ThemFrom comedies to dramas, HBO's original series have won kudos and praise from viewers and reviewers alike. Here are the best HBO shows of all time and where to stream them.Read More, followed by allowing an Amazon Prime channel add-on subscription (albeit at a steep price of $14.99 per month). The result was less piracy, more engagement, and potentially a happier audience.
How to Avoid Copyright Infringement?
Once you receive a copyright infringement letter or email, you are on a list. (Aren’t we all on a list somewhere?) While you might not be able to have your name removed from that list, you can certainly ensure no additional copyright infringements appear alongside your name and IP address.
What measures can you take to make sure that there are no copyright infringements on your home network?
1. Stop All the Downloading (of Illegal Content)
It should go without saying… but stop downloading illegal content through illicit sources. If you are unsure what the copyright status of a file is, it is best not to download. Instead, you can head to the U.S. Copyright Office website and complete a search for whatever the file, film, album, or content is.
My tip is to use a keyword, rather than the exact file name.
The rise of Android-based Kodi boxes and other streaming services further complicate matters. Kodi boxes are sold openly in shops and online, but the streaming apps available on those boxes may well use copyrighted materials. Dan Price explains if it is legal to own and use a Kodi boxWhat Are Kodi Boxes and Is It Legal to Own One?What Are Kodi Boxes and Is It Legal to Own One?In this article, not only do we explain what Kodi boxes are, but also offer you a definitive answer on their legality.Read More.
2. Talk to Your Housemates About Copyright Infringement
If you are certain it was not you downloading the latest episode of Game of Thrones, go and chat to your family, housemates, or anyone with access to your internet connection. Hopefully, you can have an honest conversation about the issue of pirating illegal content, as well as the potential repercussions.
(You could show them a few legal download alternatives, tooHow to Legally Download Movies for Free to Watch OfflineHow to Legally Download Movies for Free to Watch OfflineOne of the best ways to stay occupied while traveling is watching movies. However, streaming sucks data, so why not download movies to watch offline instead? Especially if it's legal.Read More.)
3. Check the Letter for Details, Watch Out for Scams
If you meet a wall of silence, head back to the email or letter and check for details. Copyright infringement enforcement letters list the infringing content, including the file name and download method. If you see the file is the latest Kendrick Lamar album, chances are it wasn’t Great Aunt Ethel (but if she did, props to her).
Regardless, the information in the copyright infringement letter or email will help you narrow down who is downloading what on your internet connection. Talk to them about safe downloading, copyright infringement, and alternative sources.
The other thing to consider is if your copyright infringement letter is a scam. Some copyright infringement notices also contain a notice of payment, causing people to panic and pay without considering if the letter is real.
For instance, scammers piggybacking on the HBO Game of Thrones IP-Echelon copyright infringement sent thousands of scam emails including a direct settlement fee of $150 for the alleged copyright infraction.
If you receive an email from IP-Echelon, Lionsgate, Rightscorp, CEG TEK, or any other copyright enforcement firm, don’t rush to pay. Do your research first.
4. Check Your Home Network for Intruders
If it really is no one in your household, even after you give the kids and Great Aunt Ethel the third degree, you should check your home network. Your first stop is your router. Your kids might not be pirating copyrighted material, but what if they gave the internet password to a friend?
How about a neighbor piggybacking on your internet, stealing your bandwidth and triggering the wrath of copyright holders?
Your router will show you any connections. Furthermore, some will even keep a log of recent connections. If there are more devices than you’re aware of, it is time to consider your options.
Use your web browser to access your router interface. The address varies by router, but many companies now print the default router address on the device. My connected device list looks like so:
I can account for all of those devices. If you cannot, you might have found your copyright infringing culprit. Unfortunately, finding out exactly which neighbor is piggybacking is a bit more difficult (and you might not want to cause a confrontation). In this case, your router will have some form of IP address or MAC address filtering or blocking that you can apply.
5. Virus Scan
The last tip is the good old virus or malware scan. While somewhat unlikely, there is a chance that a Trojan is exposing your hard drive to the internet, resulting in unauthorized file sharing. Unlikely, but possible. There are better things to do with remote access to someone’s computer than use it to download the Jumanji remake.
Use Legal Content Services to Avoid Copyright Infringement
I’m sure there are people out there that have never downloaded a copyright protected file in their entire life. I’m not going to lie: I’m not one of them. But as internet services become better, and cater to a massive range of useful things, the need to lurk potentially dangerous download sites to find obscure Indonesian drum and bass becomes less and less.
Furthermore, protecting yourself has become easier, too. MakeUseOf certainly does not advocate downloading copyrighted material. But a VPN is excellent for protecting your personal online privacy, downloading content or not.
Get three FREE months of ExpressVPN when you subscribe for a year.
Explore more about: BitTorrent, Copyright, Online Privacy, Peer to Peer, Software Piracy.
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Hi. I just received an email from my internet company about someone filing a copyright infringement complaint yesterday. It says it’s about three files on a file sharing format p2p. Today I received a call from someone saying it has a civil complaint summons to serve. I guess it’s about this. I don’t recognize the downloads but it shows that they are less than 1% downloaded. They say they are copyrighted video games. But the names of the files can be interpreted as anything like a guide or just simply a presentation that could be free and legal and not necessarily identifies their file names as a game perse. It’s this winnable in court?
I'm Canadian and received infringement notices in October 2015. I then got a free VPN from VPNBook and have been infringement trouble-free until today (June 2018). I have just received more infringement notices regardless of my VPN (which is also on a Canadian server). So I have now switched to a European server, although I'm not sure this is enough to protect me. Does anyone know how or why these new infringment notices have come about, regardless of my VPN? My 'methods' online have not changed at all.
There are VPNs and there are VPNs! You say you got a 'free' VPN, and I think that is key. In order to be safe, you need a VPN which does NOT keep logs and which does not provide your info (Eg. your REAL ip address assigned by your ISP) when the dogs from the MAFIAA request it. I am currently on the hunt for a VPN myself. I am considering one based in Panama, which is not under the laws of the country I'm in. I also think a paid VPN is the way to go, one which does not keep logs of one's activities, and which strictly keep the privacy of its customers.
I got an infringement notice from my ISP. After much questioning the members of my household, and research to understand what this is and how it happens, the incident does not seem to have been perpetrated by any of us. The ISP considers me guilty, there's no way to dispute it, and it apparently remains permanently.
Kind of freaking out... Apparently I’m a cave person and haven’t had a computer for 6+ years. I got really hooked on a specific show on Netflix and the newest episodes weren’t on Netflix or on demand so I did a google search and downloaded the 10 episodes I was missing. Is it illegal to download them to watch myself?? I’ve got 6 copyrite infringement notices and I’m so stressed out about it. Should I be concerned? Is there something I’m supposed to do?? Ahhhhhh.
I'm new to this and kinda freaking out, lol. Our notice is about a specific song (downloaded from frostwire) I'm pretty sure it was done by my 10 year old nephew and the song and app have been deleted. I ignored the first email and have now received a second. What should I do?
Just ignore that second email too. What these trolls are doing is called bullying. be more careful next time and use some other old school techniques, that you can't find in this article.
dont do any of that unless your doing the tunneling method tho, those alone dont save you, they just make the tunnel insufficient
oh yes, and disable ipv6 too!
first off, peer block does nothing AND PEER BLOCK DOESNT WORK with modern methods of filesharing, if your using old kazaa/napster its great, but not in this day and age.
for the smart among you, I offer the path- disable WebRTC, geolocation, and either get a virtual personal server to do the dirty work, or a tunnel to a server and use end to end encryption. Ive avoided the trade names for these things to keep the stupid in their place getting caught so I CAN KEEP DOING IT while your the low hanging fruit.
for the dumb, you are the low hanging fruit. I've offered the path, it is up to you to be able to utilize it. I considered writing a quick guide to privacy, but realized i need low hanging fruit like you to make myself more difficult to unmask. once they think everyone is doing it the smart way, and nobody is getting busted, they will begin looking at folks like me with new legislation that makes my methods either insufficient, or illegal.
right now, it works, and its legal/affordable.
*you're
'Stop downloading copyrighted materials. If you’re not sure if it is something that carries a copyright, you’re probably best off to not download it.'
You're confusing downloading copyrighted materials with copyright infringement. Downloading copyrighted materials isn't necessarily illegal. The copyright holder(s) may have chosen to make the material freely available (e.g., under a license like GPL) or the downloader may have purchased the copyrighted material (e.g., from iTunes).
Technically, practically anytime you view a web page your browser is automatically downloading copyrighted materials...
It's not the downloading of the copyrighted material that is illegal. It is the sharing of said material with others that is illegal. That's why the copyright infringement notices all allege the infringer shared the material - which often may not be the case - and which the issuer of the notice may not be able to prove (but arguing you only downloaded and did not share may well be a losing argument which you do not wish to lose). For the trolls, it is enough it appears you may have shared the material.
Guy,
I feel compelled to point out that the step you outline in your forth point only gives one a false sense of security. MAC address filtering is a very common myth when it comes to wireless security. Those with the knowledge can easily circumvent the MAC filter by spoofing the MAC addresses of the clients connecting to your wireless router. All it takes is less than 5 minutes and a program like kismet to pull them out of the air.
The best way to secure one's wireless router is to take the time to configure it and not leave it set at defaults. WPA2 should be configured if it's available. If it's not, WPA will suffice. If all that's supported is WEP, it's time to get a new wireless router.
Not false, just incomplete. Those with the knowledge to spoof a MAC address may very well have the knowledge, or at least inclination, to crack your WPA2 security. That information, and the applications to do it, is available on the Web.
I also pointed the user to another MakeUseOf.com article on strengthening their WiFi router's security.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - there is no such thing as secured, only an acceptable level of security.
So my little brother uses my computer some times and apparently he got into it with some people on youtube. They got his email, tracked his myspace, and MY I.P. address too (most likely). They're saying they will get more information about him but in reality it's my computer, I use it for work, he only uses it to play around. Should I be worried about this? Is is possible for them to hack my computer if they have my I.P.? would PeerBlock help at all? If someone can answer my questions please, I will really appreciate it.
If I were you, I would make sure that I have a decent firewall. Not Windows Firewall, but something else. Check elsewhere on MakeUseOf.com for good suggestions.
You can also change your IP address. Go to whatismyipaddress.com. That will tell you what your IP address currently is. Now, go shut off your modem for a few minutes and then turn it on. Go back to whatismyipaddress.com and check what it is now. It should be different.
Overall, I wouldn't be that worried. Getting hacked by someone you flipped off on the Internet is unlikely. It just isn't worth the effort for them to do that.
wow, thanks Guy, that was quick and will follow your advice. Cheers!
how did the isp knew the email in first place?
When you sign up for Internet service, they usually assign you an e-mail address or ask you to give them one to contact you with.
If not, they do need your phone number and home address, so they could just call you or send you a letter, too.
this article is over 9000
What does that mean?
It's a stupid internet meme. Feel free to delete it.
Great point about 'sharing' folders and viruses ... something I'm not sure most people would even think about in regards to these infringement issues. Food for thought, thanks for sharing! =)
I got the same letter from Verizon about 18 months ago. I downloaded a program called Peer Block (formerly Peer Guardian) and now they never even know I'm downloading the stuff. It acts as a personal firewall that blocks all known RIAA/MPAA/Media Sentry/etc IP addresses from attempting to download anything from you when your torrenting. The list of known IP addresses is updated almost daily.
Informative post.Very helpful..
Excellent material here. Downloading, and most definitely sharing, copyrighted material is a risk most people don't associate with potential financial and legal consequences. But it seems lately that the groups that represent copyright holders are getting more and more aggressive in protecting their clients. I guess, as the saying goes, don't do the crime if you can't do the time. More importantly, understand what constitutes a crime and try not to cross that line...
In Canada, there seems to be some confusion about the legality of downloading. One judge did rule that it was okay to download copyrighted materials because we pay an extra fee on all recordable media, which goes to the movie and music folks to help defray the lost revenue by people taping or saving the music and movies. In Canada, a judge can make law by making a ruling like this. However, I think it has since been overturned. In any case, if you think it might be illegal, unethical or immoral - just don't do it. Good life rule, really.