Perth-based ISP refutes AFACT's claims the ISP industry is unwilling to negotiate with content providers

Perth-based ISP, iiNet, has fired back at the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft’s (AFACT) claims that ISPs won’t talk with copyright holders over how to distribute content legally online.

The comments were made by the anti-piracy group’s executive director, Adrianne Pecotic, to Australian IT in which she claimed ISPs are refusing to negotiate for a voluntary code of conduct urged by the Federal Government.

Pecotic was calling the Government to follow in the footsteps of Britain and France by enforcing tougher laws to combat move and TV piracy. iiNet has blasted back, stating ISPs have always been open to discussion with content holders.

“The Internet industry and copyright holders had been in detailed discussions for a number of years before AFACT and [Pecotic], called off negotiations in August 2007 to commence their unsuccessful legal proceedings against iiNet in the Federal Court,” the ISP said in a statement.

iiNet was accused of authorising movie piracy of its users by AFACT but the Court awarded victory to the ISP. The case is being appealed.

AFACT could not be contacted at the time of publication.