File sharing

[PacNW]

Behind the curve on a couple of technical issues, so forgive my ignorance.

 

During Napster et al, I was vaguely aware of some of these issues, but since I'm not that big of a music fan and had a very slow connection, I never made any attempt at sharing files with others. Now that porn is readily available my interest is aroused, so to speak.

 

What security issues am I opening myself to when I let other computers access files on mine?

 

Who can tell what it is I am downloading/have downloaded? (See also my related thread on poaching on other people's wireless networks.)

 

Particularly, what's going to happen if I download files that contain questionably aged subjects, even if I delete them after viewing and realizing what it is I've gotten ahold of?

 

Have porn companies ever gone after individuals for copyright violations? What is the likelihood that they would?

 

Ethically, to what extent, and from whom, am I stealing?

[+ deej]

The filesharing network will have log files of your downloads, and of any activity coming from your computer. Those logs ARE succeptible to subpoena.

 

For example, Veoh just banned "pornography" and anyone who had downloaded same received an email telling them it was no longer available. They DO know what you do on these services.

 

Yes, porn companies have gone after individuals, but they generally go after the givers-away.

 

If you download kiddie porn that was not identified as kiddie porn, you may have some plausible deniability. You didn't know what it was. UNLESS, of course, you go back to the well over and over. :o