So... There was something on the news a while ago about illegally downloading.

[Rossi]

And what is going to happen about it. I have downloaded files using torrent hosting sites, but it has came to my attention a while ago that it is illegal, because with the torrents being a supported file format. And i have stopped downloading the usual crap, like movies and stuff, but what was said on the news, something about a letter?? I dont have a clue.

LOL. I havent been pirating Movies. They are just for personal use really, like on my iPod and stuff. XD.

[giginotgigi]

It was an issue in protecting copyright; nothing specific on BT or P2P technology.

Those big companies on films, movies, songs and authors have got permits to demand ISP (internet service provider to provide information on who logged on those sharing sites and illegally download) Once got information they will ask lawyers to send warning letter to those perpetrators and demand money. If not pay, they will conduct civil proceeding or even report to police to enforce the criminal proceeding. (or both - criminal and then civil)

[gears of war]

depends on what service provider your on. virgin will send you a letter.

[super_iunctum]

Eventually all data being sent/received via file sharing networks is going to be assessed, using something like the Y!Tube A.C.I.D system, and anyone found to be sharing illegal files will be sent a letter telling them their actions are being monitored. Keep doing it and they'll prosecute you based on what you've stolen and they have tracked.

If you stop now you'll be fine but if you keep doing it you increase the risk of being caught with every single packet of illegal data you share.

The problem with doing this is crystal clear to anyone with a basic knowledge of networking... If you want to continue file sharing then all you need to do is find an insecure WiFi connection and proxy through a network owned by someone else.

The system they are proposing has a massive hole in it and if people don't want to be caught they can easily shift blame on to someone else who is totally innocent and there's no way the innocent party can really defend themselves in court as they are solely responsible for the security of their own home network.

[123 boo a hoooo]

my friend got his service shut off and he had to call to get it back on. when he called they warned him. if you use a torrent download program then they should just shut down the program service (Limewire, etc).

[Tom K]

Basically if you are caught downloading stuff they will send you a latter warning you to stop now or they will take action

[old know all]

Thank you for your written confession. That's saved us the bit where we have to come round with the rack and thumb screws. Your court appearance is scheduled for 1st April 2009. In the mean time, please switch off your computer and send £20,000 to enforcement account no 1453261 at the Bank of Nigeria, Lagos.

[beautifulangel]

it has been illegal for years now. you can go to jail i you get caught but it wont happen think about it, how will the find out, by hacking into your computer. they don't do that, they would have to go threw billions of computers, than if they get caught by someone who doesn't have anything, they Can get sued for invasion of privacy.

[sbhpink]

Wait and see if they go through with it, everyone is getting a warning letter before any action is taken (apparently) so i wouldn't worry too much, as long as you are not selling pirate films of course!