Learn About Peer-to-Peer
Peer-to-peer (P2P) computing has dramatically opened the doors to worldwide communication and the sharing of thoughts, ideas and information on an unprecedented level. At the same time, however, it has made illegal files sharing very easy. It is not against the law to use peer-to-peer file sharing programs, or to exchange materials that are not copyright-protected. But it is against the law to download or distribute copyright-protected material. If you are using a peer-to-peer file-sharing program, make sure that you are not "serving" copyright-protected materials to the rest of the world.
P2P services can be tricky. Every day anywhere from hundreds of thousands to millions of music, game, and video files downloaded through file-sharing programs fall into the category of copyright infringement. That is, the users downloading the files do not have the permission of the copyright owner.
In addition, if you use a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing program or have set up an ftp server, make sure that you are not unknowingly distributing copyright-protected materials to the rest of the world. For example: if you copy music to your computer from a CD you purchased and are signed on to a peer-to-peer service with file-sharing enabled, you are making the copyrighted music you purchased available to others. You have become a distributor of copyrighted material and copyright owners can hold you liable.
Many file-sharing programs have worldwide file sharing turned on by default when they are installed. If you have copyright-protected materials on your computer, you need to disable file sharing so that the programs are no longer serving these materials from your computer.
Copyright owners frequently hire agents to help them enforce their copyrights. Often these agents are companies like Nexicon who can scan networks for copyrighted materials that are available to other users from computer systems on the network. The DMCA makes Internet Service Providers (ISPs) liable if they do not act to ensure removal of infringing materials when they receive notice of copyright infringement.
The DMCA provides procedures that may be used by ISPs in dealing with claims of copyright infringement, including deactivation of service for repeat infringers.
Be mindful of the property of others and do not download media files illegally.
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