Verizon Communications said it would turn over the names of four online subscribers accused of distributing hundreds of songs online over to the Recording Industry Association of America after a U.S. appeals court declined to interfere.

“Verizon remains concerned that the R.I.A.A. and other copyright owners and people who are not copyright owners may abuse this process,” said Sara Deutsch, vice president and associate general counsel for Verizon. “In light of the court’s decision, it is time for Congress to become involved and offer a legislative solution.”

The decision was good news for the record industry.

* “The Court of Appeals decision confirms our long-held position that music pirates must be held accountable for their actions and not be allowed to hide behind the company that provides their Internet service,” said Cary Sherman, the president of the R.I.A.A. He said the industry looked forward “to Verizon’s speedy compliance with this ruling.”.

(via New York Times)