Last-fm vehemently denied Techcrunch’s report accusing the site of handing down the names of file-sharers who downloaded the leaked U2 album to RIAA.
UK-based Internet radio Last.fm denied Techcrunch’s report that accused the music site of disclosing the names of file-sharers to Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
According to Last-fm blog, the Techcrunch’s report was “purely malicious and has no basis”, adding that its clients’ privacy will always be protected by the company and it will never share personally identifiable data such as email and IP addresses.
To allay some concerns, Last.fm sent emails and twitter messages to people to deny the accusation that say it is collaborating with RIAA. The music site also posted messages to various forums and chatrooms to deny the Techcrunch report.
Meanwhile, Ars Technica reported that RIAA denied the rumors, saying that the association has not even sought the collaboration of Last.fm.
RIAA spokeswoman Cara Duckworth said that they have not made any request to the music site to disclose the names of file-sharers who downloaded copyrighted materials.
When asked for comment, Last.fm said that RIAA has not sought their collaboration, and if ever it will request the names of file-sharers, the site said it will not allow such infringement of privacy.
On Friday, Techcrunch reported that the music site handed down the list of people who downloaded the leaked U2 album to RIAA.
Few weeks ago, the rock band’s latest album circulated from the Internet even before its launching date. With this occurrence, authorities and record labels are discussing the necessary action to address the problem and to find the perpetrators of the album leak.