NNSquad - Network Neutrality Squad
[ NNSquad ] Re: Cox Users Report Sandvine-like RSTs and Poor P2P Uploading
On Nov 14, 2007 3:24 PM, Robb Topolski <robb@funchords.com> wrote: > (Replying to my own message.) > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Robb Topolski [mailto:robb@funchords.com] > > Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 2:49 PM > > > I've seen reports that Cox seems to be interfering with BitTorrent > > uploads. [...] > > > (until we see more evidence, this is UNCONFIRMED). > > As reported by a DSLReports user, Cox flatly denies interfering with > BitTorrent. (The response appears to be boilerplated to me, making me > believe that this text was reviewed and approved in response to the Comcast > interference with P2P.) > > http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19442445- > --- Quote from "jmccorm" --- > > A new response from Cox, including a very direct and unambiguous denial. I'd > note that the malformed paragraphs are indicative of heavy cutting and > pasting. Emphasis (below) is mine. So here you have it. Cox denies > interfering with BitTorrent. (Unless they want to argue that they're not > actively interfering with it, but passively interfering with it?!) > > Thank you for your e-mail to Cox Communications. I understand that you want > to know if Cox interfere in any way with BitTorrent traffic? I apologize for > this inconvenience. > > As you might know Bit Torrent is a Peer-to-Peer service. BitTorrent > metafiles do not store copyrighted data, hence the technology itself does > not constitute copyright infringement. Nevertheless, majority of BitTorrent > trackers users utilize the technology to download copyrighted material such > as movies and software without legally purchasing them, consequently, it led > to tremendous legal pressure, usually from the MPAA and RIAA, to shut down > numerous BitTorrent trackers. > > Cox Communications adhere with the Intellectual Property Infringement > policy. You may not use the Service to post, copy, transmit, or disseminate > any content that infringes the patents, copyrights, trade secrets, > trademark, or propriety rights of any party. Cox assumes no responsibility, > and you assume all risks regarding the determination of whether material is > in the public domain, or may otherwise be used by you for such purposes. > ****We do not actively interfere with BitTorrent**** and you are solely > responsible for using the service. > > Cox also blocks some ports for security reasons. If BitTorrent uses any of > these port, it could be blocked. Please visit the link below where you can > find additional information of the ports Cox block. > > --- endQuote --- > > http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19442445- > > It would seem that Cox believes that the service is used, in part at least, for violating IP laws, or at a minimum to scare off people wanting to use BT. Perhaps part of our mission should be to educate the larger ISP on non-infringing uses? Attacking BT based on payload is like attacking the mailman because one didn't like what was inside a letter.