Starting July 1st, 2012, ISPs, RIAA, and MPAA are cracking down on piracy. They've entered an agreement that states that if internet users are accused of stealing copyrighted information, the users must pay a $35 "filing fee" to fight their case. Alleged infringers will receive six warnings: 1. A written alert, probably as an email, warning them that they or someone using their connection is illegally downloading copyrighted information. The notice gives the alleged infringer useful information to “(i) help him/her to check the security of his/her computer and any Wifi network, (ii) provide explanatory steps which will help to avoid content theft in the future and (iii) provide information about the abundant sources of lawful music, film and TV content,” according to the CCI (Center for Copyright Information, a new entity created for just this purpose). 2. This alert will be much the same as the first while placing more importance on the educational aspect above. ISPs can also just skip this alert and move on to #3. 3. This alert will be issued through a “conspicuous mechanism,” something like a pop-up or other obvious notification when the user opens their browser. It reminds them that they or someone using their connection is still downloading illegal content, and highlights the consequences. This is their really invasive and creepy way of making sure you DEFINITELY see their warnings. 4. This alert is much the same as #3. 5. This alert will be in the same vein as numbers 3 and 4, BUT now the ISP has the choice to REDUCE YOUR INTERNET SPEED (called throttling) - much like AT&T is already doing to high-bandwidth cell data plan users, or FORCE A LANDING PAGE that will not disappear until you contact your ISP to discuss the issue or order more "educational material." There may also be additional measures that they have not yet disclosed. 6. Much the same as #5, but now the company can LEGALLY SUSPEND YOUR ACCOUNT and send your information to the copyright holders so they can probably sue you. Their information on this step was very vague. So we're paying more and more money to access less and less internet because people don't want to pay to listen to the auto-tuned, talentless "musicians" or watch a movie that's probably a remake of a remake? The industries and ISPs would be better served by using their new entity to study WHY young people (and it is mostly college students) pirate and how to get them to pay (perhaps by lowering prices?), instead of restricting the internet for the innocent people who are guaranteed to be caught in this mess. America: Guilty until proven innocent by paying a $35 "filing fee"!