Technologies for example bit-torrent have given computer users the ability to download large files such as movies, music, and games. In contrast, this technologies have a been controversial since its introduction. The controversy rises over the utilization of this tool to illegally share copyrighted material such as film and music without charge. Corporations, Internet Service providers (ISPs) as well as the law makers have been trying find ways to curb the downloading of their copyrighted materials.

With recent news of prosecution, lots of people are concerned about the legality around P2P file sharing and the utilization of bit-torrent technology. Most of the people will never have to concern yourself with the law knocking down their doors in search of illegally obtained digital data that's stored on unsafely your drive. Alternatively, its good to understand the facts to prevent making mistakes.

The dominant question is "Is P2P file sharing legal?" The easy answer is yes, Bit-torrent as well as other P2P technologies are nothing but tools. Alternatively, a knife is a tool that can be used to cut your steak or kill someone. As such, like any other tool, if its used inappropriately, you can find consequences.

Files sharing is illegal if you download or distribute copyrighted material without the expressed consent of the author or copyright holder. This consists of all copyrighted music and video which will be click the following web page bulk of the content on torrents sites and content being shared via P2P applications. Downloading these files to your hard drive is equivalent to receiving stolen property. It's prosecutable for most places in U.S. and U.K.

If you are using P2P networks, or torrents sites, your downloads can be traced to your computer. Your IP address is visible which uniquely identifies your computer. On top of that, the file download is hosted on a server. The owner of this server can know what IP downloaded files from their servers. So your anonymity is not protected.

There is no way to completely be sure that what you downloading is safe. There are plenty of untrustworthy sites. Often spy-ware and other malicious software may be attached to files. In contrast, some bit-torrent services often make it possible for you to preview files to guarantee there authenticity.

You can find drop box services which do not use P2P technology. These sites host a sizable file for download. You can download the whole file quickly and independently from other users. However, there's also a long line of men and women waiting for their turn to download the file.

In case you are into downloading movies and music but do not want to break any laws, do not worry, the industry is catching up to the technology. Netflix and other companies have produced lighting speed downloads of major files. This comes at a cost. In contrast, you avoid breaking the law and substandard quality.