File-swap software to foil enforcers
ZDNet | at | by Mike
Peer-to-peer file-sharing software developers say user privacy-protection concerns are behind the introduction of features designed to foil scanning by organizations representing owners of copyright-protected material.
The claims come as the music industry in the US ploughs ahead with moves to file a raft of civil lawsuits against people allegedly involved in online file-sharing. Some reports indicate more than 800 federal subpoenas have already been issued. The developers of one variant of Sharman Networks' popular Kazaa file-sharing software, Kazaa K++, say their latest version--2.4.0--blocks the Recording Industry Association of America from "connecting, downloading and uploading to you," as well as changing its default options "to protect your privacy". The developers of another variant--Kazaa Lite--also tout the benefits in their latest release of a "built-in IP blocker" in keeping out "organizations such as the RIAA," as well as "improved privacy protection".