Filesharing is not inherently evil

Filed in archive News on January 4, 2010

© sillygwailo


I want to clear up a few common misconceptions about file-sharing. We hear so much negative press about people who share music and videos online that we automatically assume anyone downloading and sharing files must be doing something illegal. That, and the discussion of insanely hefty fines and pressure from music and other media industries makes all of us just a little extra wary of sharing things online.

First of all, illegal file-sharing is when you share copyrighted material. You can share any kind of file you have created yourself or a file that is free to use and distribute (many ebooks are like this). A number of music bands have also offered free to download-and-share tracks: Coldplay, Nine Inch Nails and System of a Down even titled one of their CDs "Steal this Album".

The UK government however continues to discuss plans to shut down regular file-shares. UK ISP TalkTalk has been a critic of this move. The British Phonographic Industry says they would not cut anyone from their network without educating them first, but TalkTalk argues that this could potentially shut down a number of innocent people. For example, people with unsecure wifi connections could be held responsible for anyone sharing illegally on their connection.

Right now its ISPs that are taking the biggest hit for illegal distribution of copyrighted content. Though multiple court cases have ruled that ISPs are conduits and not responsible, there is pressure from the government for IPS to police their own networks.

There continues to be a back and forth between the British Phonographic Industry and TalkTalk (and other ISP providers). The situation is a sticky one and probably will not get resolved any time soon. In the mean time, stay educated about what is safe to share and what sharing systems are legitimate. Also, secure your business wifi to keep others from using your connection to share illegally.

What are your thoughts about shutting down all file-sharing?