Legal Question in Technology Law in Washington

Liability for actions committed by others via my Internet connections

I have a broadband DSL Internet connection. I am thinking of sharing it with another person in my household through the use of a wireless router. My housemate owns his own computer and would not use my computer.

If he downloads illegal content, including copyrighted material and/or child pornography, would I be liable since I pay for the DSL connection (which is in my name)?

Thank you for your time.


Asked on 10/12/04, 1:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Friedman Law Office of John K. Friedman

Re: Liability for actions committed by others via my Internet connections

You definitely have vicarious liability for any illegal activities that you permit to occur -- and not blocking them is permitting them. You should have the other person sign an agreement agreeing to indemnify and hold you harmless -- assuming he/she can cover the cost. The best thing to do is to block p2p streams if possible unless from a source that you know protects copyright holders (such as iTunes).

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Answered on 10/13/04, 4:55 pm


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