Asked whether iiNet had taken steps to block access to the Pirate Bay website Mr Malone said that “To completely and conclusively block access to the Pirate Bay site I consider completely beyond our technical capability or indeed that of any other ISP.”

Hollywood studios, under the banner of the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft (AFACT), are seeking to demonstrate that iiNet authorised copyright infringement, and did not act to clamp down on people using its network to engage in copyright theft.

Tony Bannon QC, representing AFACT, today quizzed Mr Malone about his knowledge of Pirate Bay, a web site which allows material to be accessed and shared over the internet. Mr Bannon asked that the Court be shown the website.

Asked about the website then displayed on the Court’s screen’s Mr Malone said “I’m aware of its existence…I don’t remember ever visiting the site.”

continued page 2