RIAA Asks BitTorrent Inc. To Block Infringing Content With A Hash Filter

[jos]

Attached is a subset of the list of verified hashes of files of our members' works that have and are likely continuing to be infringed via BitTorrent, Inc.'s products and services. We are willing to establish a process to share the hashes with BitTorrent, Inc. on a regular basis so that BitTorrent, Inc. can use the information to deter further infringement of those files via its goods and services. We also know of several companies that offer services to help identify infringing torrent sites and files that may be useful in helping BitTorrent, Inc. deter piracy through BitTorrent, Inc.'s products and services.To quote Mr. Mason yet again, "We don't endorse piracy." If that is indeed your business philosophy, then we believe it is only right and proper for BitTorrent, Inc. to take steps to reduce their facilitation of infringement. We look forward to hearing from you on next steps.

 

I dont know they might have mistaken BitTorrent protocol with BitTorrent Inc. It's not hard to see where this is heading. The RIAA is likely looking to set the stage for a lawsuit arguing that BitTorrent Inc. is somehow "inducing" copyright infringement by not proactively blocking content. RIAA is pointing specifically at apps, such as uTorrent that BitTorrent owns. Assuming, for the sake of argument, that the RIAA gets its way here and BitTorrent is forced to somehow insert a special "YOU ARE A PIRATE!" filter into uTorrent, two things would happen almost immediately: 1. People would quickly create slightly modified versions of works to get around the hashes and 2. people would move to other BitTorrent clients -- coming from companies that are not willing to work with the entertainment industry and are not helping more artists learn how to embrace the technology to make more money and reach more fans.

Source: https://www.scribd.com/doc/273550708/Torrentfreak-Riaa-Bittorrent

https://torrentfreak.com/riaa-asks-bittorrent-inc-to-block-infringing-content-150804/

[kaylexmorgana]

 

I don't think they will do anything. who the hell would use it if you can't pirate? if something does happen I guess I will have to sadly say goodbye to good old bittorent and find another client.

[burnttoastnice]

That's not going to stop anyone. Anyone who knows anything about computers would open the MP3 file in Notepad++ or a binary editor program and change one of the letters/bits

[trag1c]

 

nvm the ad in the video just first vid I found of the song

[TopWargamer]

Sooooo... Would this affect the BitTorrent network as a whole or just the uTorrent client?

 

EDIT: And right after I posted this I spotted something about this being related to just the uTorrent/BitTorrent clients. I use Deluge, sooooo it's all good for me.

[Beskamir]

Are there really people that still don't use opensource torrenting clients when they are pirating content?

[RagnarokDel]

might as well ask them to close shop

[Sidiox]

By this logic I would then argue that browsers should block the piracy websites. And that Windows itself should block pirated content. Bittorrent is just one of the programs that happens to be used for piracy. 

[jaggysnake57]

when will they learn you will not stop piracy, change your antiquated business model and then you will see people buy media again

[rockking1379]

So yeah here is a hash of the content we don't want pirates. Oh wait every freaking pirated copy will probably have a different hash. Ffs

[Mooshi]

Instead of suing for several times more than a song is actually worth, make content more accessible for others. You'd think the RIAA would have learned the basics of how the Internet works by now.

[zacRupnow]

Pffff Bit torrent and Utorrent. I use Tixati, free, open source, NO ADS.

[deviant88]

qBittorent master race? transmission? anyone? no?

This will not work they are wasting their time, people will switch to other torrent clients in no time.

Piracy is amazing without it internet would be shit and boring.

[PortentousLad]

Why are the music and movie industry so reluctant to learn anything about computers? If they had one competent peorson working in a position where other might actually listen to them they'd know this strategy is stupid.

[landon418]

qBittorent master race? transmission? anyone? no?

This will not work they are wasting their time, people will switch to other torrent clients in no time.

Piracy is amazing without it internet would be shit and boring.

.

[Trik'Stari]

I wonder just how long it will take companies and governments to realize that they can't beat the internet?

[Nyxathid]

 

nvm the ad in the video just first vid I found of the song

I think that this is better 

 

[Misanthrope]

By this logic I would then argue that browsers should block the piracy websites. And that Windows itself should block pirated content. Bittorrent is just one of the programs that happens to be used for piracy. 

 

Actually by this logic, every time you get in your car you should be asked by it "Are you planning to commit any crimes?" while it records the responses and constantly sends video feed of you in the card to the police without asking, since you can technically use your car and the road to commit crimes.

 

Yes, RIAA and MPAA suggestions on piracy are this fucking stupid.

[Crazy Ginger]

The only thing I can think of that could stop piracy is a university network where the university will ban you from the network (and possibly expel you) if you are caught using ANY form of torrenting client.  And they can detect if someone is doing that and track them down based on their machine's IP address, which is linked to their student ID.  The university I am going to has this system

[RagnarokDel]

Utorrent 2.2.1

[nickdatodd]

The only thing I can think of that could stop piracy is a university network where the university will ban you from the network (and possibly expel you) if you are caught using ANY form of torrenting client. And they can detect if someone is doing that and track them down based on their machine's IP address, which is linked to their student ID. The university I am going to has this system

Theirs something called a VPN and mac address spoofing

[FPS with a Wacom Tablet]

So if Windows started blocking infringing content, I don't see why you couldn't use other OSs for media consumption and torrenting.

 

As for applications, it's hit or miss.

[dalekphalm]

Bit Torrent Inc could ONLY block infringing content within their own applications (The official Bit Torrent client, and uTorrent). This would have no impact on the Bit Torrent network as a whole, since Bit Torrent Inc does not (and can not, by design) control it.

 

A side note, who in their right mind even uses uTorrent anymore? It's a piece of crap, and has been known to include Coin Miners and trojans slipstreamed into the program.

[FPS with a Wacom Tablet]

A side note, who in their right mind even uses uTorrent anymore? It's a piece of crap, and has been known to include Coin Miners and trojans slipstreamed into the program.

Would you mind recommending me one? I'm still in the dark...

[jos]

Would you mind recommending me one? I'm still in the dark...

tixati and qBitTorrent... Utorrent has an exclusive feature... scheduling