EFF Tool Hunts BitTorrent Throttling ISPs
Written by Ben Jones on August 02, 2008Comcast must feel it’s being attacked by all sides. It’s been hit by lawsuits, investigated by the FCC, and roundly criticised everywhere else. It has brought the issue of traffic shaping to the forefront of people’s minds, and into public discussion. Aiming to highlight ISP’s and their shaping, the EFF has released a new tool for users to test their connection’s integrity.
It’s been about a year since we first broke the story about Comcast and their torrent-throttling practices. Today, they were ordered (doc|pdf) to cease their practices by the end of the year, and disclose their practices by the end of August. Many expect Comcast to appeal, but others feel that Comcast has no grounds for it.
Regardless, Comcast is not the only ISP that is throttling. As was revealed in the stats from Project Glasnost, Cox is also throttling heavily. So, while some are popping the champagne corks over this victory, others are still working hard to keep our ISP’s honest, and ensure that their customers are getting what they paid for.
The latest of these, is a project called Switzerland by the EFF. Still in very early alpha, it’s an attempt to not just detect sandvineing by an ISP, but other forms of throttling as well. Unlike Glasnost, which uses a central server and known torrent streams to detect activities from the ISP interfering, this will use a more decentralised method, where peers running Switzerland swap information about the packets they send to other Switzerland users, in encrypted data packets sent via a central server. In effect, it’s a checksum of torrent activity sent via a 3rd party. As Peter Eckersley, staff technologist for the EFF, and developer of Switzerland puts it “Alice and Bob are exchanging packets, they connect to a neutral server (Switzerland) to arbitrate between their different views of the packets”.
When asked why the EFF started this project, and why they believe a neutral network is important, he told TorrentFreak: “There were several reasons why we started the Test Your ISP project, and designed and built Switzerland. One reason was pragmatic: we were trying to run systematic tests of the interference that Comcast was deploying against P2P networks, and we decided that the only sensible way to do that was to build an automated sensor network. So we set about doing that.”
“The bigger picture, of course, is that without transparency the Internet won’t remain the amazing open and innovative thing that it has been,” Eckersley says. “And EFF’s mission is to make sure that the Internet stays open and innovative. We need to shine lights into the dark corners of the network, and make sure that ISPs aren’t setting themselves up in some control room and saying “protocol A okay, but protocol B doesn’t fit with our business plans, so let’s give it second-class treatment or stop it from working entirely.”
Some might worry that the client might open up people to being monitored by anti-p2p companies or other undesirables, using the system as another method of verification, but there is really no way around it. The simplest method to avoid that is, in Peters words, “avoid exchanging copyrighted files between Switzerland clients. The copyright risks are probably lower if you run your own Switzerland server, but it’s still going to keep logs.”
The question of what the FCC will do about these other ISPs and their traffic management is one to ponder. Our inquiries on this matter have been acknowledged, but not replied to at the time of publication.
Previously: MediaDefender Walks The Plank to Bankruptcy
Next: ‘Song of the Year’ Winner Says Downloading is “Amazing”
53 Responses
Isn’t it just too bad that people really don’t care about file-sharing? I mean, I keep on telling people to take action all the time, and they do nothing. It would be no surprise if Comcast was let off the hook.
The EFF is entirely ineffectual. I mean, they don’t initiate voting drives, or initiatives to get people to vote against lawmakers who support copyright law. File-sharing is about democracy, and how can you have a democratic movement without having some kind of grassroots movement? Voting is the number 1 right that we have, and it is most important. We must try to vote out politicians who support file-sharing.
In any case, what we should not be concerned with is our individual ability to download things freely. I mean, we can always do that.
What we should be more concerned with is the public acceptance of file-sharing, the ease with which any average everyday person could do it, and the ability for the average everyday person to know about how to file-share, and the willingness for the average person to file-share.
The full societal benefit of file-sharing will not be there unless everybody does it. And as long as the laws are there, and as long as the attitude is that copyright should stay, these benefits will not be there.
I mean, why should we concerned about our own ability to download? We should be more concerned with other people’s ability and willingness to download.
I have a simple discussion board http://www.28chan.org/fs/ for discussion about how people can take action. I think that any community of people who can take action is much more effective than any “EFF.”
Just look at SCLC in the past. They made change not through top-down activism, but through grassroots activism.
We aren’t going to get these ISPs to change their habits until it is SOCIALLY and POLITICALLY accepted. And no “tool” which detects something against “net neutrality” will ever help the file-sharing cause.
Simply put, most file-sharers are concerned with their own ability to “pirate stuff.” When they hear news of ACTA and other stuff, they aren’t concerned that people in general won’t be able to file-share. No, they are only concerned with their own selves.
I heard once that most people who want to change copyright law just want to pirate stuff. Well, seeing the attitude of most people saying that activism is pointless, or that people should just mind their own business and everything will be fine. Or people saying that there just needs to be an undetectable way of file-sharing so that they don’t get caught.
I don’t know about the full truth of this, but my impression is that people really don’t care about file-sharing as something that is part of society, that can impact society in a positive way. The truth is that file-sharing is something with a useful social function, if it were to be widespread and mainstream. And how could this happen if there were just some “laying low” file-sharers using some kind of obscure secure method that almost nobody has heard of?
I think that it’s about time we started to think not only of our selfish interests, but also of how the laws and policies affects people’s attitudes about file-sharing, and how it affects the everyday person in their ability and willingness to file-share.
Lastly, I would want to say that I think that we should stop thinking of file-sharing as a way to “obtain goods for ourselves” and start thinking of file-sharing as a democratization of culture, the right for the EVERYDAY PERSON to freely participate in culture, the right of every person to do with culture as they see fit rather than needing to pay heed to the commercial interests of the industry.
pirates S H O U L D __ D ! E!!!!
@3
Now if only we could be as angry as that against the industry, everything would be fine.
get off your soapbox Izumi-sensei, you pretentious twat.
@6
Obviously an industry person. I mean, who cares whether I’m pretentious or not? What matters is my message. Or are you saying that I’m wrong, and that we really should just care only about our own ability to “pirate stuff” after all and not care about the long-term consequences, and continue to be politically powerless? I’m saying the things I am saying because they are important.
Besides, if you think I’m so pretentious, then why don’t you yourself try to take action and get people to act? It’s a better idea than to randomly insult people. Even if I’m pretentious, I am still right, and you should be just as passionate about it as I am.
Such trends such as the throttling of bittorrent traffic, ACTA, the gestapo surveillance of Youtube, and so on will continue until people start to act.
I also don’t understand what’s with the atmosphere of negativity, flaming, and insults around here. I mean, can’t we be nicer?
Izumi, shut up you stupid faggot.
Better yet Japo, get a life instead of writing pointless diatribes to stupid people on the internet.
lmao @ 10
there’s an awful lot of music business scum lurking around here Izumi-sensei, don’t worry about it. Laws do need to be amended in support of free culture, rather than in support of rapacious commercialism.
Hmm TF won’t print my comment but claims it has; will keep trying.
Izumi-sensei, you are correct, but the industrial dross is thick today.
Laws do need amending of course in favour of free culture, but will that ever happen when it’s built on supporting rapacious commercialism?
now I’m posting too quickly and then awaiting moderation. How come all the industry twats get in tho?
Izumi-sensei, you are correct, but the industrial dross is thick today.
Laws do need amending of course in favour of free culture, but will that ever happen when it’s built on supporting rapacious commercialism?
@13 & 14
“rapacious commercialism”
hehe, sounds like you belong here:
http://www.wsws.org
check it out, if you haven’t already.
I have an idea, and that it is to be turned into the people’s culture, and derivative works. I mean, we should be doing more to support indie works. Moreover, we should be doing more to be involved in indie derivative works. I think that everybody can easily create derivative works of anything, and that if everybody did it, it can easily replace the current culture.
“Replace the current culture”?. That is a big goal, Izumi-sensei. It will NOT be easy, it will take some time… but… maybe…
I think it will happen. But it will be a long road. Who knows, maybe it will come off naturally, hopefully.
@Izumi-sensei
Yeah, that’s sadly totally right… most people also don’t want to join their local pirate party or anything, which might be able to change and prevent local problems… like look at the swedish one, it’s larger than the in-parlament green party!?
Not everyone is only concerned about themselves while file sharing, but sadly many, too many are…
And yes, the internet would be a better place if people actually tried to make it that way. The most you can expect in public postings is a affirmative nod or two.
The least people could do when I say that people should rise up and start to participate in activism is at least to give an affirmative “aye!” But NO, I usually don’t even get the affirmative, and instead, I usually get something among the lines of the following:
“No, quietly mind your own business and everything will be fine”
or
“It will be ineffective, politicians are corrupt”
or
“Laws are not a problem, we just need to develop a way to file-share without being caught”
or
“The laws will naturally go away over time, don’t worry about it”
or
“Activism will turn public opinion against us, so it’s useless”
Perhaps they are spies from the industry, or something, but I think the attitude is completely wrong. Laws are the way they are because people don’t act, not because the RIAA or MPAA has so much money.
I think that the formation of discussion and community is a powerful thing to get people to act, which is why I am posting the link to my discussion board http://www.28chan.org/fs/ so that people can get together as a discussion community.
I think that most people are not capable of acting by themselves, which is why the community is so important to let people know that there is something to support. The EFF is certainly not among those which encourage people-action and community. I prefer the pirate party, but it’s too small and it seems to be a partially abandoned project in the U.S.
And besides, this development of EFF developing a tool would be much better news if, instead of a few people at the EFF, it was the collaborative work of ordinary citizens. Ordinary citizens should be the ones making change.
But in any case, I can also expect people at least to form groups. An e-mail group at least would be fine - I mean, at least establishing contact and exchanging ideas on what to do, and things like that, would be very good. I have an e-mail I can give out here for this purpose - aworldwithoutsnowflakes@gmail.com - and I think people should do more to form communities so that people can somewhat swear allegiance take action.
Izumi-sensei, while you might not be getting quite the reception to your efforts that one might like, what you are doing is important.
It very well might simply fail completely. There’s a big chance of that. Luckily, there is also a chance that your efforts could bring some results if you can convince the file sharing masses of the importance of such things; if it does succeed, you’ll be appreciated.
And if it doesn’t work? The people involved will at least be able to say they tried, which does mean something.
lol Izumi-sensei = spy.
Nice try using a chan to “connect with the kids”
people can see right through you. I’m going to make sure your supervisor doesn’t pay you overtime for this.
Izumi-sensei
“I prefer the pirate party, but it’s too small and it seems to be a partially abandoned project in the U.S.”
Everything starts out small, it only gets bigger if people join. I’ve also spoken to the administrator of the party, as far as he and I can tell, you’ve never even been in touch or offered. So, perhaps the first thing you should do, is put your money where your muth is, and do what you accuse others of not doing - something.
^^ LOL PWNED!!
lol 0wn3d
@25
A good idea, although I would appreciate it if the ilks of #26 and #27 weren’t so contemptuous.
But simply put, calling out to others to take action is the first step towards doing something. After all, change never comes forth without its supporters.
I will see what I can do in regards to The Pirate Party, in any case. I admit that I do not know much about it, but, of course, you have shown me that the Pirate Party is not just something to brush aside as a “dead project.”
Perhaps I came off as arrogant in demanding that others do things, but perhaps just that I am just frustrated at seeing nothing really happening.
@ Izumi-sensei
My suggestion.. and critical oppinions are welcome…
is that you should look at heading up a new pirate survey, look at the demographics behind who is downloading right now and then use that as firstly your own evidence and secondly your way to target minority age groups etc. This information could help all pirate organisations in my eyes.
If you want me to contact you by email on the idea I will, but only on requests.
-_-
can we stop discussing Izumi’s problems here?
Cool will give this a try
Most parties raise money from business and rich individuals.
However what is in it for them.
I agree though that the law needs to be changed.
Highlighting the issue will help.
Also just getting round it using encrypted anonymous BT type clients helps.
Ez
http://www.Dargens.com
Encrpted Anon BT
Izumi-sensei,
I think your a bit mistaken with the EFF not encouraging grassroots movements. In fact, I’m sent letters all the time from the EFF with pre-written letters that can be Emailed directly to me senator/congressman. However, I think your right, to many people are unaware of this issue.
But it goes a little bit deeper than selfishness. My mother worked for a state funded school in which she taught high school dropouts basic computer skills. You would be absolutely astonished at how many people (Yes, especially the younger generations) that can use the basic functions of myspace but have absolutely no idea of how to email a letter to someone.
Education is a contributing factor to the lack of public awareness and an abundance of unconstitutional legislation. I’ve always though it would be a great idea if there was a website that explained the issues to these people in laymens terms. Breaking down what an ISP is, what a torrent is, how piracy is important to culture, and how it is a more effective business platform.
I think torrentfreak and other like-minded websites need to start promoting there URL’s on places like the Pirate bay, ISOhunt, Mininova and other sites. Most people that visit those sites don’t understand the issues, they just want to watch a new release. Education on the issues and a breakdown of the technical aspects of piracy need to be explained in such a way that everyone can understand.
Sorry about all the typos above, I’m starting my internet rants early this morning. =)
No need to get wet dreams kiddies. All the ISPs will do is add to their contract that they have the right to throttle heavy users and its business as usual.
The FCC was “incoherent”…
http://www.circleid.com/posts/88103_fcc_comcast_ruling_inconsistent_incoherent/
“So it’s OK to prioritize VoIP. That means it’s OK to de-prioritize everything that’s not VoIP, and the only way you can determine which is which is by inspecting packets to see what protocol carries them. But the Commission says you can’t do that…”
They are criminalizing normal network management practices. We’ll all suffer because they won’t be able to deal with bottlenecks.
Outstanding, the EFF does it again! Way to go EFF.
JT
http://www.Ultimate-Anonymity.com
oh yeah lets kill all the pirates…
thats the dumbest shit ever,
you wanna see the world expand and our civilization grow? then information should be freely and openly shared and copied, it is by very definition the meaning of the internet, let its vast resources grow to include all ideas and information in the world.
Greedy ass money grubbing bastards, the world will never change.
I don’t know when this issue began in courts/suits… but it seems to me that the US courts/government didn’t care about Comcast’s throttling until the AT&T scandal came to light.
This might just be a distraction technique — thoughts?
Or am I relying on too-simple thinking and bad facts?
@1, 2, 34: WALL OF TEXT NOT READ
..Plus, chan boards were designed as imageboards, not conversation tools. So using one for conversation does indeed make it look like you’re just trying to spy and don’t fully understand the medium you’re using.
@ 41: ADVISORY MAKES YOUR OPINION LESS ATTRACTIVE TO READ.
Seriously, is four paragraphs a wall of text? You would think adding more than a sentence or two would help to both clarify your opinion and decrease redundancy. Anyway, to summarize my opinion in a more familiar and “easy” format.
We need public awareness and education, and links to informational sites posted on pro-piracy torrent index sites.
1
you cna this kind of try
Full encryption ftw!
And set the flag while your at it.
izumi sensei, are you Rachel Faith Anderson?
@41
“chan boards were designed as imageboards”
I guess 4chan has lead to a bad name among all possible *chans. But no, I designed my board to be for useful discussion.
“We need public awareness and education, and links to informational sites posted on pro-piracy torrent index sites.”
That’s what I think the biggest problem is. The RIAA etc. spend so much money on “educating the public,” and in school, kids learn that “piracy is bad.” If there was some way the schools could change, and teach the opposite.
everyone teach your grandparents how to download stuff they would never stop thier uploads, and seriously, how bad could it be if they got caught? muahahaha
@51
Indeed, there needs to be something like massive file-sharing conventions or things like that.
http://piratepartyuk.org
still inactive and full of pr0n spam
Excellent — if its compatible with what I use, I want to try it out … what P2P apps does this software work with?
Lets not forget Rogers\Bell, up here in Canada..
im from south africa- internet costs here are around the 3rd highest in the world- and what we get in return is pathetic. anyway what id like to point out is that theres many people like me- we will not go to the cinema to see a movie, we will not even hire the movie at the video store when its released there. so these movie companies are not losing a “prospective customer” - i either watch it for free or not at all. im not so desperate that ill pay money for movies. i can do without it- so they should lighten up- its not like they are poor.
What some do not know is that, once Comcast has locked onto your IP addy because you are torrenting (and they are throttling) they WILL disrupt other services. If we have a torrent running here at the house, forget being on a MUSH,MUCK,MUD, MOO,MUX of any kind. (simple telnet) We are talking about disconnects every minute and a half, (timed). Worse at certain times, but mostly bad all over.
Comcast will not stop, not until people get outraged enough to get a REAL suit against them. (We are talking major money here, like a subscriber wide class action suit). Or the FCC stops being a sissy slap hand legislative limp dick. Yeah sure they will go after you if you broadcast a micro TV station in rural BFE, but when it comes to the money makers, nothing will ever happen.
People need to stop beating around the bush and unite against the corrupt legislators and the company’s that only look out for money for there investors and CEO’s and not there customers. (Think back how it was 50 years ago. You gave bad service you went out of business.)
Nuff said.
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