LOS ANGELES (AP) — As the recording industry prepares hundreds of copyright lawsuits against online music swappers, the makers of file-sharing software are fortifying their programs to try to mask users’ identities.
Some of the upgrades reroute Internet connections through so-called proxy servers that scrub away cybertracks. Others incorporate firewalls or encryption to thwart the sleuth firms that the recording industry employs.
“Everyone is concerned about their privacy,” said Michael Weiss, chief executive of StreamCast Networks. The upgrade to his Morpheus file-sharing software has been downloaded more than 300,000 times since its release last week.
Music industry officials insist file-swappers can’t hide.
“Nothing that has been invented has prevented us from being able to identify substantial infringers and collect evidence,” said Matt Oppenheim, senior vice president of business and legal affairs for the Recording Industry Association of America.
Yet experts say some of the countermeasures could make it more difficult to trace individuals on peer-to-peer networks. Though none can guarantee total anonymity, they ultimately may not have to.
“With enough technology it may not be worth the effort for the RIAA to come after somebody,” said Mark Rasch, a former U.S. Justice Department computer crimes prosecutor. “At some point it can become so difficult to find out who did something that it becomes practically anonymous.”
Full article at informationweek.com
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