Dutch FilmWorks authorised to collect IP addresses in piracy fight

The Dutch data protection authority AP has given Dutch FilmWorks authorisation to collect personal data to fight illegal file-sharing online. The AP approved the company's request to process the personal data and said it provided enough assurances to handle the data properly and within specified limits.

The Dutch film distributor plans to collect data such as IP addresses in order to try to identify and prosecute illegal downloaders and file-sharing sites for copyright violations. DFW plans to use the data without initially informing the subject, which required a preliminary investigation and approval by the AP.