In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court ruled that internet service provider Cox Communications is not liable for copyright infringement committed by its customers who illegally downloaded music.
The court reversed a previous jury verdict and lower court rulings that had sided with record labels, including Sony Music, which had sued Cox for allegedly failing to do enough to deter or disconnect users engaged in illegal downloading.
The Supreme Court issued its ruling on March 29, 2026.
The decision marks a significant victory for internet service providers, which had warned that holding them responsible for users’ copyright violations could lead to widespread disruptions in internet access.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court sided with Cox Communications, stating that the company “neither induced its users’ infringement nor provided a service tailored to infringement.”
Legal analysts say the ruling reinforces protections for internet service providers and clarifies that liability requires more direct involvement in copyright infringement activities.
