Understanding Online Piracy

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The intricate landscape of online piracy and peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing is presented in a clear and accessible guide that examines the criminal justice response to illegal file sharing. It serves as a resource for parents and students worried about potential legal repercussions from such activities. While quantifying the exact impact of digital piracy is challenging, the financial risks posed to major entertainment companies have drawn attention from various sectors, including government and academia. Many individuals providing access to computers—such as parents, schools, and libraries—often lack awareness of these activities, exposing themselves and their families to legal risks. This work explores the technological, legal, social, and ethical dimensions of illegal P2P file sharing, catering to parents, teachers, librarians, and students. Over 18,000 P2P users have faced lawsuits from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), primarily affecting college students and parents of high-schoolers. As concerns about illegal downloading grow, many adults lack the technical knowledge to identify potential piracy on their devices. This guide addresses both the technical and social issues surrounding file sharing, focusing on the latter while providing general technical concepts to enhance understanding.