Analyst: MPAA Is Winning the War Against File-Sharing

CYBERSPACE — The assault on file sharing may be yielding big dividends for the Motion Picture Association of America.

Since the advent of file-sharing communities and networks like LimeWire and BitTorrent, the MPAA has been filing one lawsuit after another in an effort to stop consumers from downloading and sharing free versions of popular, first-run TV shows and movies.

According to Wired, four bit-torrent-related websites have shut down since March.

Wired's David Kravets argues that the MPAA is winning in the war against file sharing, though he added that a central legal argument is still hanging in the air.

"Unanswered is the central legal question of whether such sites violate U.S. copyright law for pointing to where users can download copyrighted works from others," he said.

TorrentSpy lawyer Ira Rothken agreed. In May, A federal judge in California ordered TorrentSpy to pay a $111 million penalty for its role in distributing copyrighted works. Rothken called the ruling a "Hollywood publicity stunt," arguing that it was not decided on the merits of copyright law.

Nevertheless, even in the adult industry, the fight against file sharing and video sharing continues. Last December, Vivid sued PornoTube's parent company, AEBN, for copyright infringement. Adult director Eli Cross told XBIZ that the industry is moving into an era where everyone expects content to be free. All Media Play President Jeff Mullen agreed.

"We really need to take [content theft] seriously," Mullen told XBIZ. "Everyone thinks 2257 is the biggest problem, but we need to stop the outright theft that's going on."

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

TrustyFans Introduces New Blog

Creator directory TrustyFans has introduced an official blog to its site, titled "From Hidden to Hype."

JustFor.fans' Dominic Ford Featured in Wired Magazine

JustFor.fans Founder and CEO Dominic Ford is featured in a new article in Wired Magazine, titled "The Internet Revolutionized Porn. Age Verification Could Upend Everything."

Dr. Charlotte Gaydos Joins ProDx Health Advisory Board

Dr. Charlotte Gaydos has joined the Advisory Board of ProDx Health.

Aylo Fined $5 Million as FTC, Utah Settle Safety Practices Complaint

The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Utah on Wednesday settled a complaint against Aylo, requiring the company to pay a $5 million penalty and implement measures to prevent illegal content from appearing on its sites.

New AI Companion Platform 'Pornstar.love' Launches

Pornstar.love, a new AI companion platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support, Stripchat to Host 'Navigating Thoughts of Suicide' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Stripchat are hosting a free online support group to help performers deal with suicidal ideation.

Plaiir Names Cade Maddox as Lead of Creator Relations

Networking platform Plaiir has appointed Cade Maddox as its new lead of creator relations.

Go.cam Launches 'One-Line Integration' Verification Solution

Go.cam has introduced a one-line code integration for age verification.

XBIZ Amsterdam to Debut 'Behind the Lens' Screening Series

XBIZ is pleased to announce the debut of “Behind the Lens,” a new screening series presenting discussions with noted directors, taking place at the upcoming annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam.

'White Rabbit' Party Headed for XBIZ Amsterdam

XBIZ is pleased to announce the White Rabbit Party, an XBIZ Amsterdam special event set to take place Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Show More