Do you have that song…“just use DC ++”
Want to watch a movie…“just use DC ++”
Where can I get that game…“just use DC ++”
Before coming to Berkeley I had never heard of DC ++. I was an amateur when it came to computers (and still am) and I felt even more technically inept when I moved into a dorm full of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Majors. It wasn’t long before a friend introduced me to DC ++, a P2P or peer to peer filing sharing service that allowed him to freely download almost any movie or game he could think of. I myself never “downloaded” anything, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy watching the movies they had downloaded. However I soon began to question the legality of DC++; it was unfortunate, but downloading those videos was equivalent to stealing them.
If you are unfamiliar with DC ++ it is similar to LimeWire and Napster (both of which have now been shut down, LimeWire) in that it enables the user to transfer and receive files with other network participants. After installing the necessary software and setting up your account, all you have to do is share a required amount of data and you are ready to begin downloading. It is almost too simple; DC++’s interface allows you to type a movie or song into the search engine and choose from any user to download. You can even send messages or check how many other people have downloaded the file to see if it is safe; however you can never be certain until you download it.
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| Computers can steal too! |
Although the service itself is not illegal, downloading copyrighted material is. Several years ago both the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) and MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) pressured UC-Berkeley into tightening up their security and surveillance to prevent students from using peer to peer services like DC ++. If any of you have lived in the dorms at Berkeley you will probably recall the hour long session ResComp gave before allowing us to access their network. Every year they caution the students about the consequences of downloading illegal material. If you are caught, the penalty can be up to several thousand dollars in fines; however it seems as though only serious offenders are ever prosecuted. Although I don’t agree with infringing copyright laws, if you are smart about it and limit how much you download, odds are you won’t find yourself in jail, but there is no guarantee.
Besides the legal consequences, there are many other dangers to using P2P services. According to several websites sharing files with other users can make your computer more susceptible to being infiltrated by hackers. P2P software often also contains malware that is used to collect personal information about the users. Although most of the time files on DC++ are safe, there is always the chance that you download a program that contains a virus or worm.
With so many other legal ways to obtain media, it doesn’t make sense to put you or your computer at risk. Yes, you may be able to scan the files you download or close the program to mediate who accesses your data, but in end it isn’t worth it. If people were able to more clearly see P2P services as just another form of stealing, maybe less people would install programs like DC ++. Ultimately it is the user’s responsibility to fill in the void between “downloading” and stealing.
I actually miss DC++ from my freshman days! Sure it puts you at risk online for attacks, but just backup your data consistently, check the background of the person you're downloading from and its fun times from then on. I used to pass hours and hours of time from stuff that I "borrowed" from others on DC++. But then again, I do understand that it is not exactly the most legal thing to do, but as a poor out-of-state student, I figure it's okay that I use this as my money saving strategy! :)
ReplyDeleteDC++ almost makes it too easy for kids to download copyrighted material. It seems as if the school is encouraging it. It can't be that hard to catch people using P2P services like DC++. Governments try to catch illegal downloads off of torrents, so why isn't UC Berkeley?
ReplyDelete--K Chiang
I have very mixed emotions about illegal downloading. I know it's done, I don't think it ought to end in a hanging, but on the other hand, it is people's work products that are being taken. It's easy to dismiss it as "rich Hollywood types" but given that one wouldn't use that as an excuse to steal a car from a "rich Hollywood type", it seems like it's ethics based on monetary value (i.e., it's okay to steal a $3 download, not okay to steal a $30,000 car?). Personal ethics can't just be about monetary value of things stolen, can it? Or the monetary position of the "thief"? (I'm a poor instructor who can't afford a high end Mercedes, so I'll steal one instead, since I can't afford it?)
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely a touchy subject. In my personal opinion, I believe that downloading the copyrighted material is illegal. The worst part, though, is when I have to go out and spend money while I watch people get the same stuff and more for free. Part of me wants to just join in and get free movies and hundreds of dollars of free software, but the other part would feel too guilty to use it. If other people want to use it, they can, but what drives me crazy is that the people who "do the right thing" by paying for the material suffer while the people illegally downloading don't have any consequences. Shouldn't there be rewards for those that do right?
ReplyDeleteThe issue of downloading music and movies has been a thorn in the Internets backside. A lot of artists have complained about users downloading their music for free and listening to it on youtube for free. However, its unlikely that any of that is going to stop soon. The solution is to embrace, and build upon the internet instead of fighting it.
ReplyDeleteVevo is a step in the right direction; it allows fans to listen to music for free while making money for artists. Bands such as Radiohead, who launched their latest album for free and requested donations, made more money than they would have if they had gone through labels. The internet can be a great tool for providing "free" music, while at the same time allowing artists to make money. The record companies just need to embrace this ideal.
-Bhavik