Posted on 09/11/2012 9:00:47 AM PDT by null and void
LONDON (CBSDC)- A recent study found that those who participate in illegal file-sharing are not flying under the radar, but rather are closely monitored within hours of engaging in suspect activity.
The study, conducted at Birmingham University in the United Kingdom, used software created by computer scientists that emulated the file-sharing program BitTorrent and logged all interactions and connections made to it, the Korea IT Times reported.
Over the course of the three-year study, researchers reportedly saw monitoring firms tracking activity within three hours of a given download.
According to the tech website, those conducting the study were “surprised” at the diligent way in which such activity was monitored, and noted in their findings that there was no difference between frequent users and occasional downloaders.
“You don’t have to be a mass downloader. Someone who downloads a single movie will be logged as well,” research leader Dr. Tom Chothia was quoted as saying. “If the content was in the top 100 it was monitored within hours – someone will notice and it will be recorded.”
One distinction was allegedly made by monitoring firms, however – less popular content was not checked on nearly as frequently as more prominent or desirable items.
At least 10 different monitoring establishments reportedly logged downloaded content, the Korea IT Times learned.
The purpose of overseeing such activity was not immediately apparent to researchers, however.
“Many firms are simply sitting on the data,” Chothia noted. “Such monitoring is easy to do and the data is out there so they think they may as well collect it as it may be valuable in future.”
Two points:
1. Not all content on file sharing sites is copyrighted by someone else. For example, I share content created by me, what right does anyone have to monitor the activities of those who I encourage to access it? This is the same slippery slope we get on when we say it’s OK to put cameras in public places on the theory that some of those who are monitored might commit a crime.
2. The genie can’t be put back in the bottle. Once a bootleg copy is out there, it’s out there. Whether it is distributed via sneakerware between friends or via file share sites. Might it not be smarter to tax or license than try to ban and prohibit? Today these sites collect fees from users and may disappear at any time without notice or refunds. Maybe both sides would be better served with a regulated approach that would exempt personally created content and impose some kind of service standards on the rest.
If you have ever exceeded the speed limit, please go down and turn yourself in.
I disagree with the traffic cameras. In short: it deprives the accused of the classic, traditional, and Constitutionally guaranteed right to confront one's accusers [6th Amd].
Being a computer programmer, I am *very* distrustful of both speed-cameras and light-cameras: the companies themselves get portions of the revenue generated thereby providing incentive for false positives.
When you go into stores, you're recorded.
This is fundamentally different from traffic- & speed-cameras: there is no "automatic accusation" that is generated in these systems.
It's a question of convenience. You don't want to be watched or recorded? Fine. Don't drive, don't use sites that record your movements. It's not a civil right to be anonymous on the internet.
I suppose you shouldn't use banks either. The issue is not recording (though that *could* become an issue) but instead the assumption of guilt that 2/3rds of your examples posit.
There is a company here in Pittsburgh called Tiversa.
This is what they do. For a fee they will use very sophisticated software to determine where your info is and who is sharing it.
They blew the whistle a couple of years ago on some fool at DOD who had Limewire on his laptop which the Iranians exploited to steal design docs of the Marine One helicopter.
What you are dealing with here is actual theft. You aren't stealing someone's intellectual property when you break the speed limit. But as one poster said, some are downloading free, open-source files which is perfectly legal. That doesn't mean, however, that the site you are using shouldn't be able to catalog your actions.
It's only a matter of degree, not kind.
ping
You’re not understanding the basic premise. Speeding laws cannot be enforced unless the infraction is witnessed. Turning myself in would do nothing since no penalty could legally be enacted.
Just 'cause you don't get caught doesn't make it right. You are the sanctimonious one who doesn't get it.
You don't break the laws, you're not monitored.
Oh that's real handy. They only monitor the ones who break the law, do they?
And just how is it that they know which ones to monitor?
By your logic,
Don't put words in my mouth. I mentioned a few things that you should consider, since you said you were unable to make up your own mind.
I was recently informed of a Copyright violation by my ISP.
Since I don’t download, I investigated and found one more IP address served up by my wireless router than I have equipment for. I also found that WEP security (the default used by the installers) sucks. I have since increased security to WPA2 with a long pass phrase.
Now.
Anyone know how to track down and identify a wifi thief?
Care to share some examples?
An example is a site called project free TV.
I don’t access it because of (1) pop-ups, ads, and attempts to install stuff on your computer (imho too much of a chance of getting something) and (2) I don’t access illegal video. My child (in college) says it is pretty heavily used by college students.
Note that THIS IS a site that traffics in pirated video. I’m not recommending it, just throwing it out as an example.
Thanks for the response, I was just curious. I’m not planning to access it either - my days of stealing from anonymous others via electronic means are behind me...being a parent and trying to set an example is an illuminating experience. I can wait to see a movie or TV series later on some legit site, or pay for it on PPV or Red Box.
Those viruses (virii?) are just Karma, repaying those that seek to steal.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.