BitTorrent to Implement Paywall, Crowdfunding

SAN FRANCISCO — Eschewed by anti-piracy creatives in the mainstream and adult entertainment sectors alike, BitTorrent may be making a move towards a more fair financial exchange with its plans to implement crowdfunding and a paywall.

The peer-to-peer file-sharing giant doesn’t publically condone illegal piracy of music, movies or (presumably) porn, but has become almost synonymous with the practice. “People wrongly assume we’re about illegal file-sharing,” said Matt Mason, chief content officer for BitTorrent.

In a major move that could put BitTorrent’s money in artist’s mouths, BitTorrent is launching an in-house crowdfunding campaign that asks its tens of millions of users to pay $9.95 to help finance a new fiction series called “Children of the Machine” from independent film vet Marco Weber.

“I think of it as the perfect hybrid between Kickstarter and Netflix,” Weber told the New York Times.

Should sufficient funds be raised, the pilot will launch for free in December on BitTorrent. If about 250,000 users shell out the ten bucks, Weber will produce the entire series, which takes place in a global-warming ravaged hyper-technological near-future, and even integrates peer-to-peer technology references.

Even before “Children of the Machine” goes live, BitTorrent announced that it will be implementing in September a paywall for one of its “bundles,” or downloads used by a variety of artists to promote their work, often in exchange for just an email. BitTorrent explained that the first paywall will give users access to a yet-unnamed big-name musician’s download bundle.

“We all want to see new business models that reach audiences who are willing to reward creativity by paying a fair price,” said Ruth Vitale, executive director of CreativeFuture, an antipiracy coalition that includes both artists and companies.

However, Vitale remains skeptical, adding “If they are sincere about supporting creatives, BitTorrent needs to condemn the widespread misuse of the protocol it created.” 

To read more about BitTorrent's plans, click here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Adult Time Drops New Installmet of 'MILF Overload'

Adult Time has released the latest installment of director Jim Powers' series "MILF Overload."

Coco Bae Fronts Latest From Reality Kings

Coco Bae stars with Jordi El Nino Polla in the latest release from Reality Kings.

Eve Sweet Stars in Latest From Blacked Raw

Vixen Angel Eve Sweet stars with Vixen Media Group (VMG) exclusive Jason Luv in the latest release from studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Brazzers Drops Season Finale of 'MILF Quest'

Brazzers has released the final episode of the first season of "MILF Quest," hosted by Cherie DeVille.

Beca Barbie Makes Her Hookup Hotshot Debut

Beca Barbie has made her debut for Hookup Hotshot alongside Nade Nasty.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult, Could Face Override

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Valerica Steele Headlines Jonni Darkko's 'DVP Sluts'

Valerica Steele toplines director Jonni Darkko’s “DVP Sluts,” from Evil Angel.

Michael Ninn Returns With 'Catherine' Sequel Made Entirely by AI

Veteran filmmaker Michael Ninn, though retired from the adult business for the past 10 years, recently unveiled a new episodic project titled "Catherine II: The Series," which serves as a sequel to his 2005 adult film "Catherine."

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Show More