What Is Illegal P2p?

Home , Decentralized computing, Share (P2P), Upload

WHAT IS P2P? Client-server model HOW DOES P2P WORK?

P2P refers to “peer to peer” file sharing There can be significant differences networking. The term refers to a in how P2P networks function and as decentralized computing network in with most technologies it is constantly which users exchange files directly with evolving. other users.

P2P applications allow you to search for, download and upload files through WHAT IS ILLEGAL P2P? In a client-server model, your computer a desktop program instead of a web receives files from a single, centralized Although there are many legitimate uses browser. In general, you begin by of P2P technology, P2P has become server, such as the ITunes store. downloading a client, or program, for associated with the illegal sharing of a particular P2P network. By installing copyrighted materials - especially music, the client, you agree to the terms of use movies, videos and software - because p2p model of the network and designate a default P2P programs make it so easy to find and sharing folder on your computer for use download content. by the P2P program.

WHAT IS A P2P NETWORK? DOWNLOADING FILES

P2P networks operate with the When you request a file through a P2P understanding that participants share in network, the file you have requested providing and maintaining the resources may be downloaded from any computer of the network. In exchange for being or computers in the network. A single able to download files from the network, song or movie may come from several you are expected to make files available different computers that just send parts, to other participants of the network. or packets, of the file from computers

in different locations, which are then

In a P2P networking structure, your reassembled on your computer. computer may act as a server, providing In the p2p model, your computer content to the computers of other shares files by connecting to many members. computers on the Internet.

Because of the downloaded sharing ON P2P NETWORKS folder, P2P programs allow the network The Recording Industry Association of to access and distribute files from your America (RIAA) and the Motion Picture & computer. You can violate copyright law Association of America (MPAA) have sent not only from downloading materials but out copyright infringement notices to students also from allowing other network users to who have illegally exchanged copyright download files from your computer, even protected files like music or movies through if you obtained them legally. You have to peer-to-peer networks. P P pay attention to the default settings of the 2 Some cases have resulted in lawsuits. P2P network so you do not inadvertently Students who have illegally downloaded share copyrighted files. music or movie files can pay anywhere from

$750 to $30,000 for each download. Many RISKS OF P2P SHARING cases that are settled out of court are settled at a cost between $3000 to $5000 or more

Like opening a file in your email from for an initial offense. In some cases people someone you do not know, downloading have legitimately purchased songs or movies files from unknown computers in the but have broken the law by transferring them to a peer-to-peer network. Therefore it is

P2P network can be risky. By accepting wnloading files from these unknown computers you important to know what peer-to-peer networks are and how they work. can expose your computer to malicious o computer viruses. By opening your computer to the P2P network it is possible For more information on college policies you can find the SJR State Student Handbooks at: D a file could circumvent your firewall or other protection. http://www.sjrstate.edu/catalog.html

The RIAA and the MPAA are looking to For information on copyright laws you find people that are breaking copyright can find out more at: law on P2P networks. One way they can http://libraries.sjrstate.edu/copyright gal accomplish this is by uploading content to Questions? How much do the P2P network in order to identify users e that are illegally downloading copyrighted Contact Andrew Macfarlane, SJR State Copyright Officer, for any copyright concerns at: you really know materials. These organizations can also use the network to identify users who are [email protected] Ill about P2P? making files available to upload.