P2P

File sharing is essentially the distribution of digital media from one user to another, whether its on a platform such as a phone, tablet, or laptop. File sharing can be enabled in several ways, for example, removable storage devices, through servers, and also through peer to peer networks. P2P File sharing is a form of file sharing, in which peers can download or gain access to a file through a 3rd party software. Through P2P file sharing, any document or software that is on another computer can be located through the 3rd party software and given access to us, of course with limitations. Although this realms many benefits for internet users, this also haas contributed to piracy. Piracy is copyright infringement, basically the illegal distribution of work without permission. Movies and music are prone to piracy across P2P file sharing, and the original owners may not seem too fond of it. Some examples of P2P file sharing include limewire, frostwire, Gnutella, and Bearshare.

In the New York Times article, "Should Online Scofflaws Be Denied Web Access", Eric Pfanner the author, brings up a controversy about the laws and policies regarding distribution of media through online and other formats. Although generally, I feel that many people dont have much against P2P file sharing, it brings concern to some. “If you put 200 VCRs in your garage and start making and selling copies of films, you will get a visit from the police,” he said. “If you do it from a Web site, everybody says, ‘Hey, freedom of information’ ”. This quote from the New York Times article seems very interesting, when materials and information is being distributed through the internet, how can the right laws and policies govern them? File sharing is a great way for users to exchange data and information in efficient ways, and I think the controversy of how to properly monitor and mitigate piracy will be ongoing for a long time.