Story perspectives

9th Circuit Ruling Shields ISPs from DMCA Subpoenas

8/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that DMCA subpoenas cannot force ISPs like Cox Communications to disclose subscriber identities.
This decision supports previous circuit rulings, enhancing protections for internet users against copyright holder abuses.
Rightsholders must now initiate traditional lawsuits to identify alleged infringers, increasing costs.
The ruling suggests that Congress, not the courts, should address DMCA protections.

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Story summary

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that DMCA subpoenas cannot force ISPs like Cox Communications to disclose subscriber identities.
This decision supports previous circuit rulings, enhancing protections for internet users against copyright holder abuses.
Rightsholders must now initiate traditional lawsuits to identify alleged infringers, increasing costs.
The ruling suggests that Congress, not the courts, should address DMCA protections.