P2P

File sharing is sharing of digital content with other users online. File sharing can be done in many ways, from the simplest methods such as e-mailing an attachment or uploading to a file sharing site, to more sophisticated methods such as sending to a server via SFTP or using Apple’s AirDrop feature on supported iOS devices. 

One of the most popular file sharing methods is P2P file sharing, which involves distribution of digital files over multiple connected computers on a network, and is facilitated by a P2P file sharing client such as BitTorrent. When a user joins a P2P network, he/she often shares a number of files on the computer with others, who in turn, shares more files. When a user finds a file on the P2P network that he/she needs, a user simply requests and downloads the file from the host user(s). P2P file sharing often involves copyrighted materials, such as songs, books, movies, software, and even research papers. One of the most popular P2P client was Napster in the late 1990’s, allowing users to share files that were often copyrighted. Because Napster hosted a platform that facilitated copyright infringement, it was later shutdown and forced to turn into a pay service. Nonetheless, it gave people the idea to share files freely across the Internet, and dozens of other P2P file sharing services still exist today, including the popular BitTorrent and eDonkey.

File sharing has raised many legal issues with the copyright owners and the recording studios. In Stelter and Stone’s article, “Digital Pirates Winning Battle With Studios”, blockbuster movies were often available on pirated website on the same day the movies were released in theaters. People have been swapping copyrighted materials on BitTorrent and may not feel guilty about it because millions of others are doing it as well. Even when a court shut down the then-popular Naspter, there were many other similar P2P services available. As the article noted that in 2008, digital piracy led to a sharp drop in DVD shipment in years. Nonetheless, not all developments were bad for the recording studios, as it led to the creation of some legal streaming services as well such as Pandora and Spotify.

Works Cited:

Stelter, Brian and Brad Stone. “Digital Pirates Winning Battle With Studios.” The New York Times, 4 Feb. 2009, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/business/media/05piracy.html.