File-sharing services such as tvcrazy must scan for copyright protection before they can post files on their servers. The service has been subject to several lawsuits and cooperated with the entertainment industry in order to protect the copyrights of its users. However, this has caused the number of users on RapidShare to drop dramatically, and it is not clear if it is as profitable now as it once was.
File sharing
File-hosting services like presentnews have to monitor all links and resources to make sure they are not infringing copyright laws. A recent ruling by the German Federal Court of Justice has increased the responsibility of file-hosting services to scan for copyright. The ruling applies to RapidShare and other services with similar business models. The ruling is significant in two ways. First, it gives file-hosting services a new duty to scan for copyright infringements, and second, it makes it harder to run a business that does not.
Second, it is important to remember that many peer-to-peer networks life2news copies of copyrighted material. It is not uncommon to infringe copyright if you download material from these services, even if you are a member of a “free” membership. However, there are many “authorized” services available on the Internet that allow consumers to purchase copyrighted works. Purchasing copyrighted works through an authorized service is an excellent way to limit your exposure to liability.
Copyright protection
To keep its users safe, rapidshare must scan all incoming links for copyright protection. If it does not, users could be subject to heavy fines. Movie studios can even force Rapidshare to take down content and provide a list of users who have downloaded it. This concept of internet policing is growing, and copyrights are being taken seriously.
Copyright protection laws are generally fairly similar around the world. The rules are governed by several international treaties, including the Berne Convention. This treaty mandates that member nations afford copyright protection to their citizens, which includes almost all industrialized nations. This copyright protection must last for the lifetime of the author plus fifty years, and be automatic.
Alternatives to RapidShare
After the sudden shutdown of lasenorita, users need an alternative that can scan for copyright before uploading files. There are several such options. While they might not all be free, they offer more features than cpanews. These alternatives are available online. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
One of them is Jirafeau. This open-source web application allows you to upload files and provides a unique link to the files. Another alternative is S42Transfer, an open-source file-sharing program. Jirafeau users share opinions about RapidShare on its website.
RIAA’s MegaUpload
The RIAA is suing MegaUpload, saying it needs to scan for copyright before it can distribute its content. The move comes after the successful SOPA and PIPA battle. The takedown of MegaUpload is just rubbing salt in the wound for these groups. If this is true, it will be bad news for those who download music from MegaUpload.
The RIAA has filed lawsuits against over 20,000 individuals in the United States, and has settled about 2,500 cases. However, the RIAA doesn’t send copyright infringement notices directly to internet users. However, it has subpoenaed Gertrude Walton, MegaUpload’s founder.
Legality of academic file sharing
File sharing is a popular way for students to share academic papers, presentations, and other materials. However, academic institutions and students should be aware of the DMCA’s legal and practical implications. This law restricts the use of network bandwidth for illegal purposes and can slow down networks. For this reason, blocking peer-to-peer software can help protect network bandwidth, reduce the number of DMCA claims, and minimize the risk of students facing large fines for illegal file sharing.
Conclusion
There are some important considerations when it comes to the legality of academic file sharing on Rapidshare. First, academic institutions must be able to prove that the files they are distributing are not illegal. Copyright holders can file civil lawsuits against individuals who share their files and receive extensive monetary damages. Additionally, academic institutions should be aware that copyright law requires them to identify violators.
