Comcast is said to be working on its own alternative to the
Copyright Alert System (CAS) anti-piracy system, also known as "
six strikes," operated by the Center for Copyright Infromation (CCI). The rumored system would see Comcast providing users identified as downloading infringing content links to buy or rent the content legally.
The report
by Variety claims that Comcast is trying to get other Internet service providers and content owners onboard for a trial, which would see those using peer-to-peer downloading systems being pushed a pop-up message with links to stores such as Amazon or iTunes, or Comcast's own video on-demand service. The report does not mention if connections to the network would be blocked at the same time as the pop-up is on display, nor if there would be harsher punishments if the user continues the download.
The controversial CAS generally operates by sending warnings for the first and second offense by e-mail and voicemail, with the third and fourth forcing web users to watch a video warning about copyright infringement before being able to continue using their connections, with the fifth and sixth warnings involving a severe reduction in connection speeds and more copyright warnings. If work starts on Comcast's system, it is likely that CCI will take part in its construction and management, with the Center reportedly been notified about the plans.
Despite the planning, there is no set timetable for an initial trial of such a system. Comcast declined to comment to the report.
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