Peer-to-peer developer RazorPop has brought forth what it calls a "legal" version of peer-to-peer software program TrustyFiles, which offers simultaneous P2P downloads over the Kazaa and Gnutella 2 P2P networks as well as the Internet.
The company's July 4 announcement said the new version of TrustyFiles conforms to last week's U.S. Supreme Court ruling in MGM v. Grokster, StreamCast, in which the Court ruled that peer-to-peer networks could be held responsible for the copyright-infringing activities of their users.
“The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously held that P2P technology is legal,” said Marc Freedman, CEO of RazorPop. “It truly is our Independence Day. The highest court in the country maintained the Sony doctrine based on substantial noninfringing use. Innovators are free to continue to develop new technologies like P2P that benefit consumers and society.
“What the Court said is illegal is people infringing copyrights and companies that induce users into such activity," Freedman continued. "We have always stood against copyright infringement. In our latest software release we make this clearer than ever before. Upon installation the first thing our users see is a warning against using our software for infringement. The message is simple, direct, and unavoidable...”
The new TrustyFiles, version 2.4.0.11, shows a consumer advisory during the installation process saying the software itself is legal but can be used illegally. "Some files, such as popular music, movies, and software, are protected by a copyright," the advisory continues. "It is illegal in the United States and many countries to infringe copyrights by downloading or sharing such files. Please use TrustyFiles responsibly and respect copyrighted content."
From there, RazorPop said, a TrustyFiles user has the choice between continuing or quitting the installation.
The TrustyFiles website also contains a prominent advisory on P2P software risks, such as copyright infringement, data security, viruses, and unwanted exposure to adult materials. RazorPop said it works directly with the federal government, including the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI, to protect consumers and fight crime against children online.
