The Inquirer’s Nick Farrell suggests that it was apparent telepathy that allowed Brooklyn resident Marie Lindon to download songs off the Internet without a computer. Others think the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is picking names out of a phonebook, sharing the random wrath of Navin Johnson’s would-be assassin as well as “The Jerk’s” titular characteristics.
Farrell called it a “sue everyone policy” after Lindon’s attorneys responded to the RIAA’s lawsuit claiming Lindon not only was innocent of the download and distribution charges, but also never owned or ever turned on a computer.
“Ms. Lindor is a home health aide who not only never downloaded, distributed, or made available for distribution’ any files, but has never purchased, used, or even turned on a computer in her life,” read the request for dismissal and attorney fees.
One account of the event explains that Lindon’s apartment came equipped with an insecure Internet connection and wireless router, which someone may have taken advantage of. The RIAA, which has sued the dead and the computerless before, seeks $4500 from Lindon.
In a 33-page complaint, the RIAA’s lawsuit names Lindor as the defendant, but does not give specifics of how they acquired the evidence to sue. The complaint does provide 26-pages of computer screen shots with Kazaa-registered user jrlindon downloading songs like “Maria” by Ricky Martin and “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson.
One could assume Lindon is lying about her computer ownership, but it may be just as easy to assume that names and registrations can be faked (and often are), that IP cloaking devices/software could be used (and often are), and/or that insecure wireless networks can be hijacked.
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