P2P: The Legalese You Need to Know

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) refers to the practice of setting up computer networks so that each computer in the network can function as both a client and a server for the others. Users can connect their computers to P2P networks by installing a compatible program and then running it. Once the program is up and operational, users can use the P2P networks to share files and access other resources stored on the computers that make up the networks. In contrast to other computer networks set up for the purpose of sharing files, most P2P networks are heavily decentralized in the same sense that there is no single central server. Instead, each individual user connected to the network can simultaneously be both a consumer and a supplier of the relevant resources.



Legal Issues Surrounding P2P

To sum up P2P’s legal status, it is legal to use so long as you do not use it to engage in illegal activities. For example, if you intend to share something that you’ve created with your friends and choose to use P2P to do so, you are doing nothing wrong and cannot be prosecuted. However, if you choose to upload copyrighted material and share it without authorization from the copyright holder, then you can run into serious legal complications. P2P has acquired something of an unsavory reputation among members of the general populace over recent years due to an ongoing stream of cases where individuals engaged in file sharing have had enormous sums awarded in damages against them.

In general, both the act of uploading and downloading copyright material is considered illegal. Furthermore, such acts are usually considered the responsibility of individual users rather than the producers of the programs that make P2P networks possible because the usage of P2P is perfectly legal. Individuals who violate these rules have faced punishments that range from jail time to exorbitant fees.

However, it is also important to remember that the legislation concerning P2P and sharing files through P2P are not the same across all countries. As a result, you should always take the time to read up on the relevant legislation and rules for safe usage before you start using P2P networks. Although doing so might be uninteresting and even time-consuming, becoming informed will reduce your chances of stumbling into legal troubles.

On a related note, the unauthorized sharing of copyrighted material is not the only way to get into legal trouble by using P2P. Obviously, the distribution of illegal material on P2P is still illegal. Be warned that P2P users have accidentally downloaded illegal material in the past, whether due to simple inattention or those files hitching a ride on requested downloads.

Conclusion

An ongoing debate exists regarding P2P file sharing and the punishments levied against P2P users in violation of copyright laws. It seems probable that copyright holders will continue pushing for even harsher sanctions, while the usage of P2P for file sharing will continue to expand due to both convenience and the lack of effective enforcement.