BitTorrent XXX Next Target For Anti-Pirates
The main fear of many BitTorrent users is that of being traced while sharing copyright works. Although only a tiny minority get into trouble, that fear is likely to increase for those sharing hardcore porn on BitTorrent, as Swiss company Logistep steps in to help lawyers prise cash from the P2P masses.
Statistically, file-sharers swapping mainstream copyright material are the overwhelming target of the entertainment industries. Those sharing RIAA-labeled music and MPAA supported movies make up the greatest proportion of all those who have had legal action taken against them, with other products such as video games and applications coming in way down the litigation list. Until fairly recently, (excluding notable legal activity by Titan video), those that share adult movies have been fairly safe to do so. That looks like it’s about to change.
Here at TorrentFreak we’re getting very tired at the frequency we have to keep reporting on the Swiss anti-piracy company, Logistep. The way they operate is simple: they use a modified Shareaza client to enter BitTorrent swarms to collect data, which they sell to lawyers who use the information to discover the identity of alleged file-sharers, who they then threaten with legal action which can be made to go away – for a fee. A simple “Pay Up or Else”, no different to the recent case where they were working with CodeMasters. As we said before, Logistep’s system is unlicensed and unapproved by any official independent or government organization. Put simply, anyone could gather this data from the internet and claim that it’s accurate.
Logistep are now working with a new ally – lawyers ‘kuw’ in Germany who according to a Gulli report are representing certain producers in the adult industry to track and ‘fine’ BitTorrent users they accuse of sharing their material. After further research, ‘kuw’ appear to be emboldened after they worked with Logistep at the start of 2007 in tracking down hundreds of people who allegedly shared the game ‘Gothic3‘ and forcing many of them to pay up.
Those unlucky enough to find themselves in the crosshairs of kuw and Logistep will receive a letter. In it will be the usual legal speak, with lots of implied things and veiled threats designed to frighten. The bottom line is a demand for cash to make this issue disappear – 250 euros to be precise. 135 euros goes to ‘KUW’ for lawyers costs while 115 euros goes to the copyright owner of the movie/video clip in question by way of damages. KUW lawyers are claiming that they only target people who have already downloaded at least 30% of the movie.
Most, if not all people receiving these type of letters in previous UK cases have had no further action taken against them when they refuse to pay up.
In what appears to be a quickening shift in the porn industry to take legal action against sharers, Jon B., Vice President at porn company Red Light District (who hides his real ID because his family doesn’t know what he does) told the LA Times: “What’s happening in the industry is an unacceptable amount of theft.”
While claiming that 35% of his profits are lost to file-sharing, Jon B. described the futility of going after websites as the sheer numbers are too much to cope with. Instead, Red Light District is deciding whether to go after individual sharers, as is the case with RIAA, MPAA and Logistep-type actions.
“If it scares them enough, if it can take away 20% of the illegal downloads, we’ll be doing the best that we can,” he added.
During the next 24 hours we will publish an interview with a prominent figure involved in these cases, in which we will investigate Logistep’s dubious practices around Europe. Stay tuned.
Thanks to _bc
