FCC: Comcast should not have blocked users

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Comcast should not have blocked several of the U.S. cable group's customers from using file-sharing technology, the Federal Communications Commission says.

The federal agency voted 3-2 Friday against Comcast regarding its attempts to limit illegal file-sharing by blocking certain customers and allegedly attempting to interfere with online video sites' operations, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.

Comcast allegedly tried to interfere with Web sites whose offerings were similar to those of the cable group's on-demand services. Comcast was also accused of lying to commission officials when asked about such questionable dealings.

While Comcast has maintained it did nothing wrong, FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin said the ruling marked the commission's ongoing efforts to defend U.S. residents' rights to online materials.

"The commission will remain vigilant in protecting consumers' access to content on the Internet," the agency official said.