SOCA take down music share site, threaten visitors with prison

Sometimes in life, things can come as a bit of shock. For instance, the first time you look in the mirror and realise you have a pot belly, and grey hairs. I had a shock today, when I was least expecting it ... as I was listening to Radio 2 and the newsreporter said that the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) had taken down a music sharing website http://rnbxclusive.com/.

Being the inquisitive news reporter I found the site and was surprised to be threatened with legal action and possible jail time. SOCA have left a message which warns visitors that they could be identified from their IP address.

This is the first recorded time that a website has been taken down by SOCA, although other sites in the United Kingdom have been taken offline by court orders.

The message reads “The above information can be used to identify you and your location.

SOCA has the capability to monitor and investigate you, and can inform your internet service provider of these infringements.

You may be liable for prosecution and the fact that you have received this message does not preclude you from prosecution.”

The people behind the website have been arrested for fraud and SOCA are clearly trying to frighten visitors. How many people visited the site after hearing the news on the BBC radio today? Are people to be punished for showing curiosity?

PC Pro in the UK took offense at the message and after speaking with the agency said “A spokesperson said the IP address information was “merely a warning”, and admitted that visiting the site was not illegal.”

Kitguru says: We understand the need to protect legal copyright and to ensure that artists, companies and people are rewarded for their work, but is there really any need for such a heavy handed, aggressive public display of power?

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