Piracy Becomes Focus Of Net Neutrality DebatePiracy Becomes Focus Of Net Neutrality Debate

Piracy has become an arguing point in the battle over network neutrality.

Much of the debate centered on piracy at a hearing Tuesday on the future of the Internet before the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. Net neutrality, as proponents call it, is the idea that Internet service providers allow customers equal access to content and applications, regardless of the source or content.

Comcast recently acknowledged slowing down BitTorrent files, often used in piracy, or illegal sharing of copyrighted music and video, to handle heavy Internet traffic. The company drew harsh criticism from consumers, lobbyists, and regulators before promising to develop a "content-agnostic" approach to network management.

U.S. Rep. Edward Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat who heads the telecommunications and Internet subcommittee, introduced the Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2008 (H.R. 5353) to ban discriminatory methods of managing Internet traffic. Chip Pickering, a Missouri Republican, co-authored the legislation.

Opponents of net neutrality legislation argue that technology and the marketplace should dictate network management practices because government interference would stifle innovation.

Now, the Recording Industry Association of America -- which has been suing music fans and consumers for making, obtaining, and distributing illegally copied music -- has stepped into the fight.

RIAA CEO Mitch Bainwol said during the hearing that he prefers a marketplace solution but he isn't opposed to net neutrality legislation that recognizes the difference between legal and illegal content, protects only legal activities, and doesn't hinder efforts to combat illegal activities.

Markey said the bill would not interfere with the music industry's fight against piracy.

The American Civil Liberties Union issued a statement supporting Markey's efforts.