File-Sharers Face Harsh Warning

CYBERSPACE – File-sharers, one of the most persecuted groups of Internet users, could soon face harsh warnings from state lawmakers that peer-to-peer (P2P) activity is a form of aiding and abetting deceptive business practices.

A letter allegedly scribed by California Attorney General Bill Lockyer and obtained by several news organizations states that file-sharing networks such as Kazaa and Morpheus should warn users that they face computer viruses, copyright infringement lawsuits, and other risks when they log on to search for music, movies, and P2P content.

"It is widely recognized that P2P file-sharing software currently is used almost exclusively to disseminate pornography, and to illegally trade copyrighted music, movies, software and video games," the letter stated. "File-sharing software also is increasingly becoming a means to disseminate computer worms and viruses. A failure to prominently and adequately warn consumers, particularly when you advertise and sell paid versions of your software, could constitute, at the very least, a deceptive trade practice."

Lockyer's particular concerns, as outlined in the letter, pertain to P2P involvement in transporting child pornography across the Internet and protecting children from accidentally downloading adult content.

There have reportedly been several drafts of the letter, a copy of which has been traced to a high-ranking member of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).

Lockyer intends to start collecting signatures from other state attorneys general at a national meeting in Washington this week, according to those who have read the letter, although Lockyer's office denies that the letter ever existed. There is speculation that a revised copy of the letter will be made public as soon as the Attorney General collects enough signatures from fellow lawmakers.

Lockyer's office has stated that the Attorney General has been concerned with the illegalities surrounding P2P file sharing and continued complaints from the entertainment industry that its coffers are being depleted through copyright infringement.

"Over the coming months, we will begin focusing more attention on the risks P2P software programs pose to consumers in our States," the letter stated. "We take seriously our responsibility to protect consumers and ensure that the laws of our States are respected. In the future, we will not hesitate to take whatever actions we deem necessary to ensure that you fulfill your duties as a responsible corporate citizen.

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

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 Industry, Override Possible

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.

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.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

TTS Opens UK Testing Location

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has opened a new U.K. location in Ware, Hertfordshire.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Show More