Blog: P2P

File sharing is the action of distributing computer documents or various types of things on your computer such as files, software, pictures, videos, movies, etc. There are a lot of controversial issues surrounding the topic of file sharing. Creators argue that their products are being used and distributed for free and on the other hand people sharing files are saying they are just helping out. Because of these issues laws and rules are being created to govern the internet. P2P file sharing is when a peer shares files with their other peers. This is becoming a common thing and there are many websites and applications that facilitate P2P file sharing such as BitTorrent and other pirating websites. These applications have such a profound impact on creators that according to Brian Stelter and Brad Stone by saying, “illegal copies of the Batman movie had been downloaded more than seven million times around the world, according to the media measurement firm BigChampagne, turning it into a visible symbol of Hollywood’s helplessness against the growing problem of online video piracy.” P2P file sharing is effecting many more industries but the movie industry is taking a hard hit because many people can just google a movie and get a copy of it for free. Other examples of P2P file sharing are copying expensive software and giving it to a friend, copying exams, videotaping a movie and sharing it online, and etc.

Stelter, Brian and Stone, Brad. Digital Pirates Winning Battle With Studios. The New York Times, Feb 5, 2009, p. A1.