effective way to prevent wrong people from being accused of downloading music?

Question

Alright for my persuasive speech I'm trying to think of a way to explain how to fix the way in which people are monitored for illegal downloading of music off the internet. There are many cases of people who were sued for having shared files that arent theres. Anybody remember the grandma that got sued from her grandson downloading songs on her computer?

Answer 1

The only certain way is to use an anonymizer, or to operate remotely using an iSP in a country where lawsuit is impractical (Pakistan?; a Pacific Island? Liberia?). After all, if you have broadband and use Vonage, you could dial up (if the dial-up speed would be practicable) from anywhere.

But a clever geek can hide his/her ISP in many ways, most of which I probably have never heard of. I'm sure it's going on now, with Limewire, and that's why relatively few people are being sued -- and those who are being sued are the most naive ones. Or those, like Grandma, totally innocent, and victims of someone else just as much as if an unprotected wifi were being used.

And, hey, isn't anybody downloading and file-sharing whlie sittng in Bryant Park (New York City) or some other free wifi zone?

Answer 2

The burden of proof is on the prosecutor to actually prove that "grandma" was the one who clicked on the "download now" button. And this could only be done if witnesses or a security cam can actually testify/show she clicked on it. INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY!

Another way to go about it is to have all computers require a secure login per person. But of course, you'll have to have an enabling law so that this will be enforced world wide. Also, this will require ALL potential computer users to REGISTER and an admnistering/regulating body should be put up to MONITOR EVERYONE. And this is already one step towards "big brother" scenario, sort of like communism-like policies.

Other flaws in this law would include susceptibility of all computer systems to hacking. I could hack your computer now so that you would be implicated - what would protect you?

In short, all monitoring systems for illegal downloading and all enforcements towards this is, as for now, UNCONSTITUTIONAL!

Monitoring and enforcements against illegal downloading off the internet may violate some civil liberties

Answer 3

If you go to the root of the problem, then you will understand. major problem for such illegal downloading is high price of music cd/dvd etc.
Fix that and the problem will become less severe.

When people can't afford somethng and there are illegal/legal ways around, it is likely that some people will follow illegal path. As per law, it is not right and those should be punished. Fine. But thats not end of story.
Make music affordable, the culture /habit will change.

Answer 4

Whoa...I never heard about that before. Is there any online article I can find about how the grandmother got sued?

I hate how people can be easily monitored by downloading music illegally but no one can't track people who make child/teen porn websites, they're the real criminals online.

Answer 5

Downloading music is allowed as long as it is not used for commercial sale.

Answer 6

You are considered responsible for the actions of others who use your internet connection in these matters.

Answer 7

All you have to do is block all cookies before you download, at least with Limewire.

Answer 8

Here is a woman who sued the RIAA for...

Oh man, just read it. AWESOME.