RIAA establishes automated settlement system

In a surreal move, the RIAA has established an automated system for people to inquire about and even settle their lawsuits online. The site was rumoured earlier this month.

Apparenly, the suits have become so successful, that the RIAA no longer has time to process the settlements directly, choosing instead to have the accused infringers to pay using credit card online.

The music industry trade organization has dominated music headlines with their highly publicized lawsuits which have seen the company sending out thouands of letters to alleged music downloaders demanding thousands of dollars in settlement under threat of a full trial. While some have fought these suits, due to the group's deep pockets, it's often a very risky proposition for students who can rarely afford the legal representation needed to mount a real defense.

While downloading is having some effect - as anecdotally suggested by recent problems at indie labels - it's not clear whether these cluster-bomb type lawsuits are having the desired effect as it has proven quite costly to the group, at least in the media sphere.