Using P2P Software Safely
The following information is provided as a public service by the peer to peer software member companies of P2P United ( http://www.p2punited.org/ ). Please also read the important Consumer Alert concerning peer to peer software from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission .
P2P UNITED
PEER-TO-PEER SOFTWARE USER ADVISORIES
Copyright Infringement Liability - P2P technology makes it possible to share all kinds of information. Some information is protected by copyright, which means that you generally need the copyright owner's permission before you make it available to other P2P users. Popular music, movies, games, and software are often protected by copyright.
Copyright infringement can result in significant monetary damages, fines and even criminal penalties. Some copyright owners have filed civil lawsuits against individuals that they believe unlawfully distributed large numbers of copyrighted songs. You can learn more about copyright laws at www.p2punited.org/copyright.php .
Click here and here for information about how to use this P2P software application to minimize or avoid copyright infringement.
Data Security - P2P software programs let users share information with other users around the globe. They allow users to view the contents of each others' "shared folders." If you have personal information in your shared folder, anyone else using the same P2P software has access to it. Another user could use that information to commit identity theft, or to embarrass you. Please pay attention to the files that you place in, or download to, your shared folder. Don't put information in your shared folder that you aren't comfortable sharing with strangers.
In particular, do not put tax, medical, banking, correspondence or any other sensitive personal files in the same folder as files that are shared via your P2P software program.
Click here for information about how to use this P2P software application to minimize or avoid these data security problems. To report identity theft, or for more information about identity theft, please consult the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Clearinghouse at www.consumer.gov/idtheft/.
Unwanted Exposure to Pornography - P2P software may give users, including children, access to pornography. Some files containing pornography may be deliberately mislabeled to attract young or otherwise unsuspecting viewers. Distributing illegal pornography is a serious crime. Users whose shared folders contain illegal pornographic material, particularly child pornography, could be subject to criminal prosecution.
Click here and here for information about how to use this P2P software application to minimize or avoid inadvertent exposure to pornography or the illegal redistribution of such materials.
The member companies of P2P United believe strongly that we all must stamp out child pornography. Click here to report suspected child pornography or pornographers to US law enforcement.
Spyware - Files downloaded from the Internet (including those obtained via P2P software) may contain other software. While some such programs, such as "adware," may send you advertising, including pop-up ads, other software, such as "spyware" can track your Internet activities and report them to a third party. Spyware can even be used to take control of your computer. P2P United's members adhere to a Code of Conduct that prohibits them from downloading software (including adware) to your computer without your knowledge and consent.
Click here for information about how to use this P2P software application to minimize or avoid spyware and for information about the differences between legitimate adware and spyware.
Viruses - Files downloaded from the Internet (including those obtained via P2P software) may contain viruses that can infect your computer. These files typically are mislabeled to disguise their true purpose. You may want to install anti-virus software, and keep it up-to-date.
Click here for information about how to use this P2P software application to minimize or avoid computer viruses.
For more information, P2P United strongly recommends that the public consult the Federal Trade Commission's website at www.ftc.gov/infosecurity and the Commission's Consumer Alert at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/idsalrt.htm .