Net providers warn file-swappers, result of industry's anti-piracy actions

''I'm getting a lot of calls,'' says Washington, D.C., attorney Eli Eilbott, one of eight listed on the Electronic Freedom Foundation's www.subpoenadefense.org site. He says many were from parents whose 12- and 13-year-olds were sharing six to eight CDs' worth of songs. ''These kids didn't know it was illegal, or even had a concept of what it meant,'' he says. ''Their parents are freaking out.''

The Recording Industry Association of America, intending to file ''hundreds'' of lawsuits next month, has sent at least 871 subpoenas to Internet providers and universities, seeking identities of users who have been tracked by their screen name on swap sites.

A subpoena ''is no guarantee you will be sued,'' says Fred von Lohmann of the EFF, who believes the RIAA is starting by casting a wide net. The EFF posted a database Wednesday on its eff.org Web site, where people can see if they're being targeted. Von Lohmann also has received calls from parents. ''I say: 'Don't panic yet, but you should seek legal advice.' ''

RIAA spokesman Jonathan Lamy says, ''If someone wants to resolve the issue, they can always contact the RIAA.'' Eilbott, however, doesn't recommend that. ''Why bring yourself to their attention?''

Sacramento attorney Daniel Ballard hopes some parents will choose to challenge the RIAA rather than settle. ''I'd do the case pro bono. I believe this could be a landmark case on the issue of fair use,'' he says. ''People have been sharing songs forever on tape. To share digitally is no different.''