After the shutdown of Megaupload,
other popular file-sharing websites have been cracking down and finding any
legal loophole than can to stay in business, but it isn’t looking too good… The
next one seemingly on the downfall is Hotfile, an equal competitor of
Megaupload. But, Hotfile claims they remove copyright infringement files upon
request, which is the same route YouTube is taking.
According to a news post, “Hotfile uses
fingerprinting technology to block the uploading of files identified as
infringing on copyright holders’ rights. Hotfile has recently upgraded its
fingerprint technology to vCloud9, the latest, state-of-the-art fingerprint
technology provided by Vobile,” which sounds just lovely. I just hope all of
this nonsense doesn’t grow so monstrous and become big enough to take on the
big-dogs, like Google and Microsoft.
Over seas the same kind of media
business is going on. The ever so popular Pirate Bay is facing troubles in the
copyright infringement area again, probably brought up by recent hype. The
decision to block the site in Britain will be made in June. I will miss you,
Internet full of joy and excitement.
This seems like the beginning of a very scary path for the internet. At this point it seems like everything is going to be blocked (or at least an attempt will be made). The whole point of the internet is information sharing...and it seems like that is being taken away in an attempt to stop piracy. Don't take our internet away!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure people will find a way around this, and still be able to pirate. I think the problem is the other content on these sites, that weren't copyrighted. There could have been a lot of things that did not need to be taken down, and now no one may have access to this stuff.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I love the title of this post. I definitely think the Megaupload takedown will continue to have a lingering effect. I read somehwere that Videobb (very similar to megavideo) has gotten much stricter about copyrighted material on their site after the Megaupload/video incident as they don't want to be shut down as well. People will probably also be more hestitant to use such sites to back up files...but pirates will probably just find another way.
ReplyDeleteI just read an article that certain providers are going to start watching ISPs for illegal downloading of torrents. They've got a warning system - two written warnings, then fines, then who knows what.
ReplyDelete