Fingerprinting File Sharers

from the going-the-wrong-way... dept

The University of Wyoming is experimenting with a technology that lets their IT administrators view exactly what files are being traded on their network using file sharing technologies. They claim the next step will be to turn on some "fingerprinting" technology that would let them completely block the sharing of copyrighted music files. Of course, previous attempts to block specific files have failed, but that doesn't mean people won't try again. Once again, we're seeing a backwards step by the music industry (which is encouraging this sort of practice). They're systematically trying to shut down a great distribution mechanism. In response, technologists will simply come up with different methods that route around the blocks - and the industry will have even less control.

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