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0 pointsjacquesm10y ago0 comments

That's a pretty bad risk then. In some countries downloading a torrent or hosting one can get you booted off the net or in even deeper trouble.

0 comments

6 comments · 2 top-level

MichaelGG10y ago· 2 in thread

Downloading isn't a concern, as websites can already force you to download a file. <img src=...> The new risk is P2P connections that bypass HTTP settings, and perhaps uploading. (You could already upload by making a POST, so it's only in combination with P2P stuff that this is novel.)

If WebRTC prompted or forced use of the HTTP connection settings in the browser, I'd have no issue with it.

jacquesmOP10y ago

That's true but this combination allows for first downloading then serving up illegal content to many consumers and the penalties for that are much harsher. A post would go to one place only (normally speaking) and would not suddenly allow your browser to become server, making you a point of distribution.

alkonaut10y ago

So instead of "Someone else did it on my WiFi", people will now say "I didn't transfer those files, a webpage did it without my knowledge". Sounds like a much more solid excuse actually.

smokeyj10y ago· 2 in thread

Websites can already link to illegal content without user consent. Is this really a new threat?

jacquesmOP10y ago

Linking is one thing, downloading, then hosting it is a completely different kettle of fish.

JupiterMoon10y ago

I guess the only hope is that this will end up with so many innocent unsuspecting people serving up illegal content that the laws will have to change?

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

0 comments

6 comments · 2 top-level

MichaelGG10y ago· 2 in thread

Downloading isn't a concern, as websites can already force you to download a file. <img src=...> The new risk is P2P connections that bypass HTTP settings, and perhaps uploading. (You could already upload by making a POST, so it's only in combination with P2P stuff that this is novel.)

If WebRTC prompted or forced use of the HTTP connection settings in the browser, I'd have no issue with it.

jacquesmOP10y ago

That's true but this combination allows for first downloading then serving up illegal content to many consumers and the penalties for that are much harsher. A post would go to one place only (normally speaking) and would not suddenly allow your browser to become server, making you a point of distribution.

alkonaut10y ago

So instead of "Someone else did it on my WiFi", people will now say "I didn't transfer those files, a webpage did it without my knowledge". Sounds like a much more solid excuse actually.

smokeyj10y ago· 2 in thread

Websites can already link to illegal content without user consent. Is this really a new threat?

jacquesmOP10y ago

Linking is one thing, downloading, then hosting it is a completely different kettle of fish.

JupiterMoon10y ago

I guess the only hope is that this will end up with so many innocent unsuspecting people serving up illegal content that the laws will have to change?

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse