In his "Chairman's Letter" to RIAA, Coleman requested the following information by no later than August 14th.

1) Copies of all subpoenas issued to Internet Service Providers (ISP) requesting information about subscribers

2) A description of the standard that RIAA is using when filing an application for a subpoena against an ISP with a U.S. District Court

3) A description of the methodology RIAA is using to secure evidence of potentially illegal file sharing by computer users.

4) A description of the privacy safeguards RIAA is using when securing this information in an effort to prevent unfair targeting of de minimus users

5) A description of how RIAA is protecting the rights of individuals from erroneous subpoenas.

Coleman made it clear to industry officials that he supports their efforts to protect their legal rights, but believes that other, less intrusive and potentially destructive methods could be employed.

"As you may know, I have an abiding interest in protecting the privacy rights of individuals. Clearly, I do not condone illegal activity, however I am confident that there may be a more circumspect and narrowly tailored method that RIAA could utilize to prevent substantial illegal file sharing. As a former prosecutor, I know first hand the power of a subpoena and I am concerned about the potential for abuse in the current system." [found at mixburnrip]

Let's hope other politicians will follow Coleman's example and start to speak up for the public!