Previously the owners of copyright initially had to obtain the personal data on the offender, normally by taking legal proceedings against the phone company. This procedure could take up to three months, during which time the offender could continue illegal activity.

While the ruling reduces the time to act on illegal practices, it also raises concern. One adverse consequence is the risk of collateral damage, as closing a connection could also stop legitimate and legal activities.
 
The case was initiated when it was disclosed that two customers of a large phone company in Denmark were distributing an extensive amount of illegally copied music and movies. The phone company refused to take action when requested to do so by the owners of the copyright and the matter was therefore taken to court. 

Jakob Plesner Mathiasen, solicitor for the Association of Danish Distributors of Videograms, commented:

“Based on this very clear ruling, one can hope that it will be possible to agree on guidelines for good ethics on the internet between copyright owners and phone companies.  We need a clear procedure for handing over personal information and for suspension of internet connections.”

In January 2006, a private user became the first in Denmark to be convicted of offences connected with P2P.  The user had been distributing an extensive amount of illegally copied music and movies. With the settlement 511 similar cases are now set to be reopened.