When you access the Internet, your Internet Service Provider (“ISP”) assigns a unique Internet Protocol or “IP” address to your network. That IP address can be used to identify the computer you are using to access their services. You received this infringement notice because an IP address assigned to a network used your Internet account to upload or download infringing material on the date described in the notice.
If you have checked all of your computers/devices and cannot find the infringing content, then the following may explain why you received the notice:
– Do other members of your household or people who visit your home use your Internet connection? If so, these individuals may have downloaded the infringing file(s). Check (or ask them to check) their computers/devices to find out whether they have downloaded the infringing file(s), and if they have, ask them to delete the file(s). It may be helpful to show the notice to anyone who uses your Internet connection often and tell them they should not download illegal copies of copyrighted material (videogames, movies, music, etc.) when they are using your Internet connection.
– If you have a wireless Internet connection, someone outside your home may be using your network without your knowledge. Securing your wireless router using WPA/WPA-2 encryption is one important step to take if you want to prevent people from using your Internet connection without permission. If you have any questions about how to secure your router, contact the router manufacturer or your Internet Service Provider and let them know that you need help setting up a WPA/WPA-2 password for your router.
