3 Critical Truths About P2P File Sharing Networks
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Anna Rowe November 21, 2006
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Confused about file sharing networks and the risks involved?
If so, you're not alone. Many people looking to download free music
online have unanswered questions about the hazards involved when using
a p2p site - and are equally unsure about possible RIAA lawsuit risks.
So here are crucial facts and important information you need to know about p2p file sharing sites - before using them!
- File Sharing Download Truth #1: File sharing networks are extremely controversial.
Although file sharing applications have been ruled legal in a court
of law, controversy lies in the fact that file sharing software can be
used illegally. How? Anytime a user of a p2p software program downloads
or shares copy-righted material they are breaking the law.
The RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) is on an active
campaign to track down and sue file sharers who are breaking copy right
infringement laws. And in more recent developments, the RIAA has sent
letters to p2p networks demanding them to "immediately cease-and-desist
from enabling and inducing the infringement of RIAA member sound
recordings."
The RIAA is very serious about finding and suing people who are
breaking copy-right infringement laws. It's strongly advised to take
the lawsuit risks very seriously yourself BEFORE using a free file
sharing download site.
- File Sharing Download Truth #2: Legitimately licensed music sites are the Only way to get 100% legal music downloads.
It's true. Legitimately licensed sites are Internet-based services
that provide downloads of music legally licensed from established
record labels and the artists themselves.
This combined partnership between the music industry and the legal
music sites, (like Napster, iTunes & Emusic) guarantees you 100%
legal music downloads. In comparison, when using p2p file sharing
software it's almost (if not completely) impossible to stay legal while
using the file sharing program. Why?
Legal file sharing is only possible by following and complying with
ALL relevant copyright laws. This means that when using a file sharing
application, in order to stay legal, you must never publicly share,
reproduce or distribute copy-righted material - ever!
Therefore, the only way to stay safe and avoid being targeted by the
RIAA is by researching the copyright laws for each and every song
BEFORE you download and/or publicly share the song online. Besides the
fact that this research would be extremely time-consuming, it's also
virtually impossible to do successfully.
- File Sharing Download Truth #3: File sharing networks can threaten your online privacy and security.
Although many file sharing applications are free, they make money by adding "adware" into the p2p software program.
Adware is software that works by large media companies offering
shareware developers banner ads to put in their products. In return,
the media companies provide the software developers a portion of the
revenue generated from the banner sales.
And when done properly, adware is considered win-win. You'll get the
file sharing software download for free, and the software developer
will still get income for their product.
However, many file sharing networks also include potentially
dangerous spying programs into their software programs as a way to make
more money. "Spyware" is a generic term describing any software that
secretly sneaks around in the back-round of your computer (usually
without your permission or knowledge) gathering information and
performing activities hidden to you.
Spyware is a big risk to your online security and privacy, and can
cause serious damage to your computer by exposing you to dangerous
viruses, worms, malware and online hackers. Don't get me wrong, making
money online is not a bad thing. However, many file sharing download
programs fail to disclose critical information and lawsuit risks about
the use of their sharing software programs.
To Sum Up: It's extremely important that you get all the facts about
file sharing networks, including the risks involved, before using a any
p2p program.
By learning all you can about how p2p file sharing download networks
work, you'll be able to make an informed decision about which music
download solution is right for you. And remember, there are many
quality legal music sites available for you to choose from that offer
cheap music downloads.
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