A Supreme Court decision could put your internet access at risk. Here’s who could be affected

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments yesterday in a billion-dollar internet piracy case that could decide if internet service providers (ISPs) are liable for the digital theft perpetrated by their customers who simply refuse to pay for that new Sabrina Carpenter track.

Sony and a group of other music labels claim that Cox Communications should be held responsible for its customers repeatedly violating copyright laws. Cox, which provides internet service to 6 million homes and businesses, says if it’s found culpable, it could lead to all ISPs cutting off internet access for millions of Americans.

How we got here: In 2019, a court ruled against Cox and awarded Sony $1 billion in damages for the 10,017 songs at issue. An appeals court threw out the monetary award and ordered a new trial b