3 Critical Truths About P2P File Sharing Networks.
Confused about file sharing networks and the risks
involved?
If so, you're not alone. Many people looking to get free music
downloads online have unanswered questions about the hazards
involved when using p2p networks - and are equally unsure about
possible RIAA lawsuit risks.
So here are crucial facts and important information you need to
know about p2p file sharing sites before using them!
File Sharing Download Truth #1: File sharing networks are
extremely controversial.
Although file sharing applications have been ruled legal in a
court of law, controversy lies in the fact that file sharing
software can be used illegally. How? Anytime a user of a p2p
software program downloads or shares copy-righted material they
are breaking the law.
The RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) is on an
active campaign to track down and sue file sharers who
are breaking copy right infringement laws. And in more recent
developments, the RIAA has sent letters to p2p networks
demanding them to "immediately cease-and-desist from enabling
and inducing the infringement of RIAA member sound recordings."
The RIAA is very serious about finding and suing people who are
breaking copy-right infringement laws. It's strongly advised to
take the lawsuit risks very seriously yourself BEFORE using a
free file sharing download site.
File Sharing Download Truth #2: Legitimately licensed music
sites are the Only way to get 100% legal music downloads.
It's true. Legitimately licensed sites are Internet-based
services that provide downloads of music legally licensed from
established record labels and the artists themselves.
This combined partnership between the music industry and the
legal music sites, (like Napster, iTunes & Emusic) guarantees
you 100% legal music downloads. In comparison, when using p2p
file sharing software it's almost (if not completely) impossible
to stay legal while using the file sharing program. Why?
Legal file sharing is only possible by following and complying
with ALL relevant copyright laws. This means that when using a
file sharing application, in order to stay legal, you must never
publicly share, reproduce or distribute copy-righted material -
ever!
Therefore, the only way to stay safe and avoid being targeted by
the RIAA is by researching the copyright laws for each and every
song BEFORE you download and/or publicly share the song online.
Besides the fact that this research would be extremely
time-consuming, it's also virtually impossible to do
successfully.
File Sharing Download Truth #3: File sharing networks can
threaten your online privacy and security.
Although many file sharing applications are free, they make
money by adding "adware" into the p2p software program.
Adware is software that works by large media companies offering
shareware developers banner ads to put in their products. In
return, the media companies provide the software developers a
portion of the revenue generated from the banner sales.
And when done properly, adware is considered win-win. You'll get
the file sharing software download for free, and the software
developer will still get income for their product.
However, many file sharing networks also include potentially
dangerous spying programs into their software programs as a way
to make more money. "Spyware" is a generic term describing any
software that secretly sneaks around in the back-round of your
computer (usually without your permission or knowledge)
gathering information and performing activities hidden to you.
Spyware is a big risk to your online security and privacy, and
can cause serious damage to your computer by exposing you to
dangerous viruses, worms, malware and online hackers. Don't get
me wrong, making money online is not a bad thing. However, many
file sharing download programs fail to disclose critical
information and lawsuit risks about the use of their sharing
software programs.
To Sum Up:
It's extremely important that you get all the facts about file
sharing networks, including the risks involved, before using a
any p2p program.
By learning all you can about how p2p file sharing download
networks work, you'll be able to make an informed decision
about which music download solution is right for you. And
remember, there are many quality legal music sites available for
you to choose from that offer cheap music downloads.