More details have emerged about how U.S. Internet service providers intend to implement the Copyright Alert System (CAS), with Comcast and Cablevision among those shedding light on what prolific file sharers might encounter.

The Copyright Alert System (CAS), which is handled by the Center for Copyright Information (CCI), will provide notices to consumers if their ISP suspects illegal downloading. It started rolling out this week across AT&T, Cablevision, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Verizon.

The CAS was first announced in July 2011. Many ISPs already provide warnings to users if sketchy behavior is detected, but the Copyright Alert System is intended to provide a standardized approach that all ISPs will use.

The average Internet user will likely never encounter these copyright alerts, representatives from the ISPs stressed, while early warnings will hopefully be enough to scare offenders off from further piracy. But for those who continue, here's an overview of what to expect from each ISP.

Cablevision: In an FAQ on its website, Cablevision said that if a copyright holder who is a member of CCI complains about illegal downloading on the company's network, Cablevision will issue that user a warning. After receiving five alerts, the customer has the option to challenge the warnings via the American Arbitration Association (AAA). If they do nothing, Cablevision will suspend Internet access for 24 hours unless the customer calls the number provided on the notice. Customers must pay to file a challenge, but Cablevision will refund the cost if that customer prevails.

Comcast: In a note on its website, Comcast said the first two browser-based and email notices a customer receives are educational in nature. Customers can click on and dismiss the first in-browser notice; for the second offense, someone will have to log in with a Comcast account to acknowledge and remove the in-browser alert. For the third and fourth warnings, Comcast said the language in the notices will be "more pronounced and urgent," while customers will once again have to log in with a Comcast account and dismiss the warnings. If it gets to step five, customers have a 14-day window to submit a challenge to the AAA. If they do nothing, Comcast will place a persistent, in-browser alert that can only be removed if a customer calls Comcast to have it pulled.

Time Warner Cable: A Time Warner Cable spokesman told PCMag that those who are suspected of downloading illegal content will receive an email after the first two offenses. Those emails will discuss how to download content legally and how to contact your ISP in the event that the email was sent in error. If those email are ignored and the downloading continues, TWC will eventually serve up a landing page when you open your browser. You must acknowledge that you've seen the message and agree not to engage in illegal activity before being allowed to surf the Web. If that doesn't work, you will see a pop up when you try to sign online, which includes a phone number that you must call before access to the Web is restored. If you don't infringe for six months, the clock starts at zero, and you will go back to getting emails for your first offense, the spokesman said. Time Warner Cable plans to turn on this system this week, but did not have a hard launch date just yet.

Verizon: A Verizon spokesman said the company will send out alerts this week to those with multiple copyright violations, informing them about CAS and how they might be affected going forward. On its website, Verizon said offenders will first receive email and recorded voicemail alerts. If Verizon receives more than two complaints about a customer's illegal downloading, the ISP will send alerts via website popups that will require users to click and acknowledge receipt of the warning. If Verizon gets five complaints, it will alert users that they must either challenge the alerts or be subject to two days of dial-up speeds of approximately 256 Kbps. For the sixth alert, the speed slowdown will last for three days. Verizon said it will provide a two-week notice before slowing down speeds.

AT&T: In a statement provided to Engadget, AT&T said it will also provide alerts to customers suspected of downloading pirated goods. After four warnings, customers will have to review educational material online before being able to access the Web like normal.

For more, see ISP Piracy Warnings: What You Need to Know and ISP Copyright Alerts: Your Questions Answered.

Further Reading

Security Reviews