Internet Anti-Piracy Program
SIIA's Internet Anti-Piracy Program addresses Internet piracy in several distinct areas:
- Internet protocols (web, IRC, FTP, Usenet/newsgroups and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing networks),
- auction sites; and
- custom CD-burning operations typically marketed via email.
Internet Sites
SIIA investigates a wide-range of Internet sites for pirated software and content on behalf of its members. SIIA searches for participating members' product titles over a wide range of Internet protocols, including P2P networks, FTP sites, IRC channels and Usenet/newsgroup posts using a variety of criteria including but not limited to file size, filenames and their contextual location to generate a list of potential pirated sites. SIIA Anti-Piracy staff monitor the results to ensure accuracy and send a DMCA "notice and takedown" letter to all domestic Internet Service Providers (overseas ISPs receive cease-and-desist notices according to local laws). Domestic ISPs are given 14-days to pull the infringing material depending on the Internet protocol. Typically, the ISP notifies the user to take down the material and, if it is not removed, the ISP terminates the account. An automated check is made by SIIA to ensure that the material has been removed.
Auction Sites
SIIA's auction site anti-piracy efforts concentrate on eBay and Yahoo. However, SIIA also searches other international auction sites for infringing auctions. All suspected auctions are reviewed by SIIA to determine if they are indeed infringing. Once an auction is determined to be illegal, the auction site is issued a takedown notice to remove the infringing auction and/or warn/terminate the seller.
Due to the continuing and substantial problem of software piracy taking place on auction sites SIIA has initiated several new programs aimed at stemming this activity. One of these programs is referred to as SIIA's Auction Litigation Program. This program involves SIIA filing complaints against the most egregious software pirates -- as determined either by long-term recidivist activity or by short-term high volume activity.
Custom CD-Burning Operations
Pirates also offer software products for sale directly to consumers via email and other means. Because these operations may not involve a website, or even an ISP, closing the operation poses a special challenge. SIIA regularly investigates such operations and refers appropriate cases to the FBI or U.S. Customs for further investigation and potential prosecution.
Internet Anti-Piracy Information
Server End Information
Server End Suggested Policies
End User (Client) Information
How End Users (Clients) Can Help Fight Software Piracy
ABOUT ANTI-PIRACY