The article, and the court case it references, are about 3Taps. 3Taps had a static IP which was banned, and additionally received a Cease and Desist letter. The court case is very clear that the combination of these factors demonstrate that 3Taps' access had been revoked, and that therefore their continued access (through proxies) constituted an intentional, unauthorized access of a protected system.
If the article "seems to suggest" something other than that, either the article is wrong, or you're reading it wrong. This is only a threat to "ordinary" internet users if they're given clear indication that they are no longer allowed to use a site (something like a C&D letter to go along with an account or IP ban.)
The article, and the court case it references, are about 3Taps. 3Taps had a static IP which was banned, and additionally received a Cease and Desist letter. The court case is very clear that the combination of these factors demonstrate that 3Taps' access had been revoked, and that therefore their continued access (through proxies) constituted an intentional, unauthorized access of a protected system.
If the article "seems to suggest" something other than that, either the article is wrong, or you're reading it wrong. This is only a threat to "ordinary" internet users if they're given clear indication that they are no longer allowed to use a site (something like a C&D letter to go along with an account or IP ban.)