Verizon shields customers' data

U.S. telecom giant Verizon says it won't divulge personal information of Internet customers a publisher accuses of online piracy, despite a threatened subpoena. John Wiley & Sons has already issued subpoenas to other Internet service providers in the search for individuals it says are illegally downloading books, movies and music -- and many ISPs have complied, CNET.com reported Friday. Verizon has refused, arguing the information would not lead to any relevant findings. It also raised concerns about violations of privacy. Verizon's refusal could present a significant hurdle for content companies seeking to prosecute alleged online pirates, experts say. Verizon, in a response to the threatened subpoena, has said its customers' information is protected from disclosure by the right of privacy and protection guaranteed by the First Amendment. It lists several other objections "of a technical nature," arguing the actions of IP addresses cannot be directly linked to a specific person, CNET.com reported.