If I were analyzing the situation with the RIAA and it’s suing of filesharers, I’d say that it’s part of their multifaceted approach to reducing current levels of illicit file sharing. I’d say that their approach isn’t so much measured by the number of actual lawsuits, but rather by the impact these have on the general file sharing population. A psychological war, if you will. After all, it is unfeasible for them to sue every single P2P user. But if they can scare enough people into stopping, by appearing to be this ruthless entity – then they are succeeding.
To this extent, I can understand their lawsuits against single mothers, old ladies, and children. Nevertheless, they tread a fine line. The fact that they’ve launched action against people that haven’t even owned a computer has already elicited negative attention. If they aren’t careful, the politicians they haven’t bought might turn against them.
Today comes news that the RIAA is deposing a ten year old child, who would have been seven at the time of infringement. According to RIAA’s previous statements, they maintain that infringers cause damages of $150,000 per song downloaded. The press is going to find this one tough to swallow, and if the RIAA isn’t careful, their efforts may backfire.