Lars Ulrich may have finally calmed down about illegal file sharing, but Metallica’s record label is still on the case. In Germany, anyhow. Ars Technica reports hosting site RapidShare released the IP address and other user information for a German fan that uploaded Metallica’s latest comeback album, Death Magnetic, one day before it’s scheduled release date. Police promptly raided the user’s home.
U.S. laws don’t really force file-hosting companies to give out personal data at the request of record labels, but they may choose to do so, especially if enough pressure is placed on them that the act of allegedly harboring criminal activity risks their ability to stay afloat.
Either way, Ulrich is lucky he wasn’t in Germany when he downloaded a pirated copy of his own album earlier this year.