As funny as it would be if there were actually trying to sue “The Usenet”, which would be similar to suing “The internet”, which actually I’m sure they’d also like to do, they’re really suing Usenet.com, a provider of newsgroup/usenet access. Usenet was part of the original internet, along with BBSes and many other antiquated technologies. Originally intended for use as a threaded communications system, now is commonly used to host large file downloads.

Will the safe harbor provision, which protects organizations that allow open access to their system, shield Usenet.com from the RIAA’s legal hammer? Possibly not as Usenet.com has refused requests remove or deny access to groups that provide copyright file downloads. If this case is ruled in favor of the RIAA many other Usenet services could be threatened and their legitimate uses quashed under the foot of the RIAA’s raging lawsuit Goliath.