Record labels sue Internet company because it offers speeds that are too high

While streaming has cut down on the rate people pirate music–why bother when you can get 50 million songs for free through Spotify?–the industry still has issues with this sort of theft.

In its latest fight against piracy, the three major labels, Universal, Sony, and Warner, are suing Internet provider Charter Communications. They have two beefs.

(1) They claim that Charter makes money by refusing to kill off the accounts of subscribers who steal a log of music; and

(2) Charter offers download speeds that are so fast, this amounts to aiding and abetting illegal downloading.

Yes. The recorded music industry thinks that it’s possible to offer Internet speeds that are too fast, making it easier for pirates to operate. I quote.

“Many of Charter’s customers are motivated to subscribe to Charter’s service because it allows them to download music and other copyrighted content—including unauthorized content—as efficiently as possible. Accordingly, in its consumer marketing material, including material directed to Colorado customers, Charter has touted how its service enables subscribers to download and upload large amounts of content at ‘blazing-fast Internet speeds.’

Charter has told existing and prospective customers that its high-speed service enables subscribers to ‘download just about anything instantly,’ and subscribers have the ability to ‘download 8 songs in 3 seconds.’ Charter has further told subscribers that its Internet service “has the speed you need for everything you do online.” In exchange for this service, Charter has charged its customers monthly fees ranging in price based on the speed of service.

Uh, duh. There’s nothing illegal about offering faster Internet speeds for more money. Isn’t lightning-fast Internet where we all want to go?

Read more at Ars Technica.