Consumers view of peer to peer file sharing.

It’s appalling how many computer users and consumers are unaware of the laws and regulations against the use of peer to peer file sharing software to download copyrighted or pirated work. Out of at least half of the computer users and consumers that have (or haven’t) used peer to peer file sharing (torrents, file sharing etc) are completely oblivious to any laws or regulations that disallow the use of them to download music, videos, or software.

While software developers, producers and artists go through great lengths to inform users that it is a crime, and is no different then going into a music or movie store and stealing a CD or DVD off the rack. The people who do understand the laws prohibiting these activities are simply on the premise that they will never be caught. While the RIAA (Recording Industry of America) has put out various reports, citing the users that have been caught charged, and sued for the illegal use of peer to peer file sharing. Many of these cases have involved people being charged, that do not even own a computer (or electronic device in which illegal downloads can be done) or parents where their children (under the age of majority, or legal age in that particular jurisdiction) have been charged for their illegal downloads. While this may seem ridiculous it does outline the facts that, people do get charged for these crimes.

It’s even presented that some people understand downloading content from sources such as “Limewire” are illegal, however are mislead to believe that paying for their Pro version of the software (which contains faster download speeds, and more features) is being sent to the content creators. Many people have brought the point up that, “where else can you legally download music, movies etc. If all of these sources are illegal?”. You can download songs, movies etc from the Internet if they come from the correct (legal) sources, such as iTunes from Apple Inc. They offer completely legal downloads of content (at a cost, as with all legal sources).

One would also argue that the laws in Canada and US (including many other countries) are lax, when it comes to downloading illegal content/pirated content. While it may be true that many of the charges against users haven’t been the full punishment applicable by the law. There are still many cases where users have been charged under the Copyright Act. The maximum penalties for unauthorized manufacturing, importation or distribution of copyrighted products, is up to a $1 million dollar fine and five years in prison in Canada, US laws remain similar.

By Brandon Anderson