A woman in Germany has lost her appeal against music industry cabal.

A couple of years ago, she was taken to court for uploading (or allowing someone to upload) songs for people to download. She had an open wi-fi connection. She argued that she hadn't uploaded anything. The music industry argued that she was acting as a public access point and if she hadn't kept track of who she allowed to use her connection, she was responsible for what they did.

She lost the original case, won on the first appeal, but the final court of appeal ruled last week, that the music industry was correct, but they have capped the amount each company can claim - they originally wanted 100,000€, but now they will get a maximum of 50,000€.

That was in the current issue of c't, I'll see if I can find an on-line source.

I'd burn all my money and declare myself bankrupt before I gave the music companies a penny just because someone hijacked my wi-fi.
They're a law unto themselves that bunch of crooks.

I hope this woman takes it to the European courts. For once they might prove useful.

The basic upshot is, you are responsible for what you, your children, any guests and (if you have an open wi-fi network) any drive-by up/downloaders.

The courts are also saying it isn't enough to tell your children not to share music, you have to control their actions! Think I'll be taking the computers away from the girls until they leave home!