Is there anyway to protect my computer from being tracked by the authorities for downloading music and movies?

Question

I tend to use Limewire rather sporadically, every 3-4 months basically, and when i do i download the odd Music track and film. However, i always delete the material once i view/listen to it. Am i likley to be safe from the Authorities tracking my computer and prosecuting me for illegal downloads??

Ok, so basically, even though i hardly use Limewire i can still get prosecuted, however it is likley they will go after the source instead of a random user. Is it likley that if they go after the source they will then filter through IP addresses and start tracking down people who have accessed material?? If so is there any way to prevent that or any software programmes that help to cmpleatly remove the material from the computer??

Answer 1

Your use isnt heavy enough to generate any interest in them coming after you. But as the last poster said, if they need to find you they can. Authorities just goto ur ISP with ur IP address and a court order, and ur ISP hands over your name and address.
But as i said, you've no reason to worry. I generate more HTML traffic in a day than you would in a year of limewire downloading

Answer 2

Yes the authorities can track you through your IP address as long as you have limewire on your computer, as it is a file sharing program. No, you will not be prosecuted, as the authorities have much bigger users to go after, and if they did decide to go after every little user than a good fourth of America would be in jail, most of them minors.

Answer 3

Casual users are like people who toss a gum wrapper on the street. Nobody pays too much attention to them. However, the same person rents a truck and dumps tons of garbage on the street will get a lot of attention VERY quickly. Use your own judgment since you already know the penalties.

Answer 4

Any data that is shared on a P2P network can be tracked. I'm sure the the RIAA has a limewire account too, so when your shared folder is open, they can see into just like any one else using the network.

Answer 5

Your best bet is to not download illegal content. That being said, it is unlikely for authorities to go after someone who sporadically downloads content, however not unheard of.

My advice: Don't do it, you're never 100% sure of anonymity on the internet when downloading media or other content.

Answer 6

downloading music via limewire is illegal and yes you can be caught and prosecuted. You are stealing, even if you delete it. If you want to have them not prosecute you stop stealing music.

Are you likely to be prosecuted? who knows there is no rational to who they are going after.

Answer 7

If they really wanted to track you then they could no problem. Even witha static IP or hidden IP authorites can get through them using their office computers, but they usually go for bigger people such as the hosts.

Answer 8

no you aren't safe. look if they WILL EVER want to find you they will