Comcast Criticized for Interference With BitTorrent Traffic

NEW YORK — According to tests conducted by the Associated Press and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Comcast Corp. is actively and intentionally interfering with attempts by its users to use peer-to-peer file sharing applications over the company’s network.

According to the EFF, Comcast is forging Transmission Control Protocol Reset (TCP RST) packets that cause connections to drop. In a nutshell, these forged data packets “cause software at both ends to believe, mistakenly, that the software on the other side doesn’t want to continue communicating,” according to a statement issued by the EFF.

Comcast, which according to the AP is the nation’s largest cable TV operator and second largest ISP, has denied that it is interfering with P2P traffic, despite the results of the AP and EFF testing.

“Comcast does not block access to any [websites] or online applications, including peer-to-peer services like BitTorrent,” the company said in a statement. “We have a responsibility to provide all of our customers with a good Internet experience and we use the latest technologies to manage our network so that they can continue to enjoy these applications.”

In an interview with CNET this week, Fred von Lohmann, a senior staff attorney with the EFF, said that based on the EFF’s testing and what had been reported by other sources, “it seems clear that Comcast’s techniques are bad for its customers and bad for innovation generally.”

“The fact that Comcast’s efforts are reportedly interfering with BitTorrent, Gnutella and Lotus Notes communications makes it clear that they are not narrowly targeted at particular users or protocols,” Lohmann said.

Earlier this week, groups that support the idea of legislation mandating network neutrality cited Comcast’s actions as an example of why laws are needed to force companies not to engage in “data discrimination.”

“Comcast’s BitTorrent blocking is the canary in the coal mine for net neutrality — a clear example of an Internet service provider stifling innovation and free speech online,” said Ben Scott, director of the pro-network neutrality group Free Press. “Cable and phone companies like Comcast, AT&T and Verizon should not be allowed to play gatekeeper over legal Internet content.”

Markham Erickson, executive director of the Open Internet Coalition, echoed Scott’s point that ISPs should not position themselves as “Internet gatekeepers” or substitute their own judgment for that of their customers. Erickson asserted that without government regulation to prevent companies from abusing their position as the network operators, improper meddling with disfavored data will continue.

“Without federal rules of the road to provide boundaries to prevent discriminatory behavior, consumers do not know whether the Comcast example is the whole of the problem or the tip of the iceberg,” Erickson said. “What else is being blocked? What unilateral decisions are being made? Congress must act to answer these questions, protect consumers, and re-establish rules that preserve an open Internet.”

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Ohio AG Threatens Action Against 'Major' Adult Sites Over AV Law

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today that his office is sending "notice of violation" letters to 19 adult websites for failure to comply with the state's recently enacted age verification law.

Chaturbate Announces 2025 Music Contest Winners

Chaturbate has revealed the winners of its 2025 music competition.

2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Pre-Noms Open With Debut of New 'Impact' Honors

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the pre-nomination period for the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, the adult industry’s premier career honor, begins today and runs through Oct. 14.

MYM Rolls Out New Traffic Features for German Creators

German platform MYM has launched a new traffic system for its creators.

Ukrainian Content Creators on Hook for Nearly $10M in Back Taxes

Content creators in Ukraine owe the equivalent of $9.3 million in back taxes, according to the country's State Tax Service.

Eroutique Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Eroutique has relaunched its official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Update: Pornhub Will Not Block Ohio, Despite AV Law

Pornhub parent company Aylo will not block access to its websites in Ohio, despite new state age verification rules that came into effect Sept. 30.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'ADHD-Friendly' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers with ADHD.

Judge Dismisses Some Claims in 'Children of Pornhub' Trafficking Suit

A United States district judge on Friday dismissed some but not all claims against Aylo in a long-running case involving CSAM allegations featured in the influential 2020 New York Times article “The Children of Pornhub.”

FSC Sets Key Dates, Qualifiers for December Board of Directors Election

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) today announced key dates and qualifiers for its upcoming Board of Directors election.

Show More