Online piracy

Piracy has been a problem since many decades before computers were invented. But nowadays "Napster" can be considered as the beginning of modern online piracy. Napster was a pioneer in peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, operating from 1999 to 2001, it became popular despite the established presence of other file sharing methods due to its user-friendly interface and its overall ease of use. While downloading and sharing music was free it was also illegal and shortly after Digital Millennium Copyright Act was passed. Due to it Napster was closed and Law was victorious for some time. But it was only the beginning. Many were displeased but as one door closes another one opens and there were opened many platforms of P2P file sharing. One of the most popular is PirateBay.

            The start of a new millennium was full of opportunities and lawsuits. But to consider average income of a european or american person. Does he/she really need to steal private digital property? Although there are many reasons for each individual to act, people are starting to see the real reasons for piracy. C.Engström and R.Falkvinge bring out some solutions to this mess.

            They respect the authors and do not wish to harm their intellectual property. But they also think that collecting copyright fee over a period of ones life + 70 years is absurd. It really ties up hands of people who might want to create something new with the existing material. Also i agree with the authors that copyright material should be taxed only when used for commercial purposes. Peer-to-peer file sharing should be free for personal use.

            Engström and Falkvinge brought out some interesting points, that are hard to understand for ordinary people. Anyone who wishes to read the full case can follow the link.