In a move that should have broad implications, 5 major ISPs have signed an agreement with the entertainment industry in an effort to help fight online piracy.
The ISPs are AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Cablevision.
Each has agreed to send emails/electronic alerts to customers who are allegedly downloading unauthorized movies, TV shows or music.
After "repeated" alerts, the ISPs can throttle the Internet speed of the offenders or even cut their access temporarily. Users can get their Internet back after either discussing the matter with the ISP or going through an "educational course" on copyright.
The ISPs cannot, fortunately for pirates, completely terminate services or impose any type of fines. The deal will mainly serve as an educational system in which customers will learn about copyright laws and legal sources for downloads like iTunes.
Behind the deal were the MPAA, RIAA and National Cable & Telecommunications Association.