P2P
File sharing allows
digital media (programs, software, movies, music, photos, games, etc.) to be
transferred from one computer over another through a network or the internet.
Although file-sharing may not be illegal, the content users tend to share can
be illegal and questionable. What had seemed to be a convenient way in
transferring files have created loopholes that allows users to share copyrighted
content, but at a cost. The infamous file sharing website Megaupload was shut
down by the government because it was profiting from offering file transferring
service of illegal pirated digital media.
A peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing is a network in which computer systems are
connected to each other via the internet. Any type of file can be shared
between these computer systems. Think of the P2P network as your home network
connected through a modem and a router. Any user or device in that network can share
files to any connected system. Each system can be a file server and a client.
In other words, every system share the same responsibilities when data is
processed. P2P file sharing is limited to what files users allow to share. P2P
file sharing has led to the inevitable illegal software and music piracy.
Piracy has caused the music, software and gaming industries to lose billions of
downloads due to illegal distributed copyright content.
An example of P2P file sharing network is BitTorrent. BitTorrent is a program
that allows many users to connect and download a file. According to Brian
Stelter in a New York Times article, "people have swapped illegal copies
of songs, television shows and movies on the Internet for years...peer-to-peer
technology called BitTorrent, required patience and a modicum of sophistication
by users". BitTorrent programs or client allows users to
download through their protocol. The protocol enables and distributes the file
across users that have downloaded or are in the process of downloading the
file. The file breaks up into many small parts and unique part to this is that
you do not need to full file in order to start sharing. Once you have the small
part, you share it to others in the peer network. Tee torrent file is somewhat
different in that it does not contain the file. Instead it contains directions
to where you can find peers and seeders. BitTorrent has caused many profit
losses and although there are actions being taken to mitigate illegal activity,
there are far too many loopholes to take preventative measures.