File sharing is the copying of digital files and distributing them to other people. For example, I can send documents to a classmate, or send a media file to a friend. I can upload the files to a server where other users can download it, or I can send it directly from my device to theirs.
The direct sharing of files between users without a server in the middle is P2P (peer to peer) file sharing. Files shared through P2P can have multiple peers sending and receiving at the same time as well in the form of torrents. Other forms on P2P file sharing include NFC (Near Field Communication) in smartphones, or any decentralized network with equal users (peers).
One of the biggest uses of P2P file sharing is torrents, whether they are legal or illegal. Many users upload movies on torrent sites and violate the copyright laws of intellectual property. The act of uploading copyrighted material has been dubbed as "piracy." This is because people are in essence stealing the work of movie production companies, and their profits. Even if the "pirate" doesn't directly take the profits, they are preventing the companies from earning it. A large portion of the customer base will opt-out of purchasing $13 movie tickets or buying the DVD to watch a movie if they can just download it for free. According to Stelter and Stone, "In 2008, DVD sales, a huge source of revenue for film studios, dropped to their lowest levels in five years" (Stelter and Stone). Piracy became popular because it was easy and everyone was doing it, so it didn't seem wrong. In order to combat piracy, companies are beginning to offer on-demand service on platforms that customers want to watch it on. They want to offer convenience and affordability for people who don't have time to go to the theater, or don't want to spend too much on movie tickets and snacks.
Works Cited:
Stelter, Brian, and Brad Stone. "Digital Pirates Winning Battle With Studios." The New York Times. The New York Times, 04 Feb. 2009. Web. 23 Nov. 2016.
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