Many people find them self in a situation where they need to locate or identify a person from an email address. The first thing they will do is go online and look for an email trace, reverse email search or email look up. What they will find as results will vary greatly from free instant online searches to email investigations that can run into thousands of dollars.
Lets take a look at the various service and get a working definition.
REVERSE E-MAIL LOOKUP:
This is almost always a free instant online database search. You put the address into the appropriate field and hopefully it will return a name and address. Common free reverse email look ups are Whitepages.com and Bigfoot.com.
REVERSE E-MAIL SEARCH:
This will usually pop up as an advertisement when your free reverse email look up fails. It's a paid search, usually around thirty to forty dollars. It is also an instant data base . This database will include "unlisted" email address information obtained from lists and online searches.
Reverse E-mail Trace:
A trace is a full investigation into the real identity of the person that sent the email. It is not instant although the investigation can often be completed quickly. It will often include a header trace and comparison. This will identify the actual person behind the email address and not just the fictitious information anyone can enter when opening a free anonymous e-mail account like Yahoo or Hotmail. An email trace is usually required when you are dealing with online harassment or defamation by a cyber stalker.
The information found in an email look up or reverse email search can be fictitious or made up information. It is also not reliable enough to be used in court where as a reverse email trace report can be used in court if provided by an experienced investigator recognized as an export in the field.
If you need an email trace report the prices can vary so be sure to investigate the investigator before hiring him. Do a quick Google search to see if the company you are hiring is recognized as a authority or expert in e-mail tracing before hiring them.
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Showing posts with label Computer Ethics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Computer Ethics. Show all posts
Email Threats
Have you received a threatening email? Or worse several threatening emails? How should you react?
First let's go over what you should not do.
Do not reply. Do not threaten back.
Do not complain to their ISP and get their account closed. You'll destroy evidence.
Now here's what you should do.
You should always take any kind of threat seriously. You should immediately print out the threat and save the email to a disc. Take this in person to your local police station and make a police report. Then follow up with the police. Ask to have an appointment with the detectives assigned to your case . Make sure you follow up.
Unfortunately many police departments will not take an email threat seriously. They will try to parse the wording of the threatening email and attempt to make light of the threat claiming it can be interpreted in different ways. They may just tell you to turn off the computer, change your email and ignore it.
If they tell you they don't have the resources to try to trace the email and identify the sender they are probably right. Unlike CSI on TV not many police departments have a full time computer crimes division and if they do they are probably overwhelmed with cases.
But don't lose hope. You can hire a private investigator that has the time and resourses to locate and identify the sender of the email threat. An investigator that specializes in email investigations has the experience in collecting and preserving the evidence you'll need for court. Many times they will have contacts with local police and can act as your agent in dealing with the police and assist in getting your case the attention it deserves.
If you decide that you need to hire an investigator be sure to do your homework. Do a Google search on the PI's name and see if they are recognized as an expert in email tracing and cyber stalking investigations.
First let's go over what you should not do.
Do not reply. Do not threaten back.
Do not complain to their ISP and get their account closed. You'll destroy evidence.
Now here's what you should do.
You should always take any kind of threat seriously. You should immediately print out the threat and save the email to a disc. Take this in person to your local police station and make a police report. Then follow up with the police. Ask to have an appointment with the detectives assigned to your case . Make sure you follow up.
Unfortunately many police departments will not take an email threat seriously. They will try to parse the wording of the threatening email and attempt to make light of the threat claiming it can be interpreted in different ways. They may just tell you to turn off the computer, change your email and ignore it.
If they tell you they don't have the resources to try to trace the email and identify the sender they are probably right. Unlike CSI on TV not many police departments have a full time computer crimes division and if they do they are probably overwhelmed with cases.
But don't lose hope. You can hire a private investigator that has the time and resourses to locate and identify the sender of the email threat. An investigator that specializes in email investigations has the experience in collecting and preserving the evidence you'll need for court. Many times they will have contacts with local police and can act as your agent in dealing with the police and assist in getting your case the attention it deserves.
If you decide that you need to hire an investigator be sure to do your homework. Do a Google search on the PI's name and see if they are recognized as an expert in email tracing and cyber stalking investigations.
How Can You Legally Stop Purposeful Internet Flaming on Your Personal Name?
For anyone in business it is essential to protect your reputation, unfortunately there are a lot of folks out there who go around attacking those who disagree with them politically, are competitors or people they have an argument. The problems that are caused are literally out of control.
When dishonest folks can slander your name online and hide in the shadows under false and fake identities, we have social control by not just the society, government, status quo, but also the lone Internet terrorist. Essentially it is a form of intimidation, social threats and personal terrorism.
But, you can fight back by finding out who owns the websites, which are allowing posts, comments, blogs or forums that are allowing this. Next, you can write a legal letter to them to have them remove such information. You can also request them to disclose the person or person's real identity which are causing these issues.
Once, you have found out who is doing this slander you can sue them in a court of law. Can you win such a lawsuit? Sometimes you can, in fact you may be able to show intent to slander and show that the individual knew they were posting lies to harm you. In this case you can prevent them from doing this and collect money.
Each time someone fights back it puts up a notice to others online, that there will be consequences for starting false rumors or using the Internet as a tool of social terrorism or personal character attacks and slander. Please consider this, but if you are going to pick on someone, choose me, so I can sue you and continue to make money suing malcontents on the Internet.
When dishonest folks can slander your name online and hide in the shadows under false and fake identities, we have social control by not just the society, government, status quo, but also the lone Internet terrorist. Essentially it is a form of intimidation, social threats and personal terrorism.
But, you can fight back by finding out who owns the websites, which are allowing posts, comments, blogs or forums that are allowing this. Next, you can write a legal letter to them to have them remove such information. You can also request them to disclose the person or person's real identity which are causing these issues.
Once, you have found out who is doing this slander you can sue them in a court of law. Can you win such a lawsuit? Sometimes you can, in fact you may be able to show intent to slander and show that the individual knew they were posting lies to harm you. In this case you can prevent them from doing this and collect money.
Each time someone fights back it puts up a notice to others online, that there will be consequences for starting false rumors or using the Internet as a tool of social terrorism or personal character attacks and slander. Please consider this, but if you are going to pick on someone, choose me, so I can sue you and continue to make money suing malcontents on the Internet.
Investigate Online Perversion For Custody Evidence
Are you in the middle of a bitter custody struggle? Evidence of inappropriate Internet activity, sexual perversion, online porn addictions and online escort services could tip the scales in your favor. Everyone knows that one of the most difficult struggles a parent can face is a contentious custody battle. It takes it's toll on our health and well being but worst of all it harms the innocent children caught in the middle. Your child is the most precious creation on Earth and they should not be exposed to a parent involved in the seediest side of the Internet. Porn,extreme fetishes,escort services.
As highlighted in the recent public divorce case of actor Charlie Sheen interest in Internet pornography and online escort services can be submitted to the court for consideration in deciding child custody cases. Likewise in the custody case involving Christie Brinkley and her husband Peter Cook, the judge considered evidence of Mr Cook's spending $3000 a month on Internet porn services. Including one such service where he was caught masturbating on a computer video camera in full view of other members.
Many lawyers will retain the services of a local private investigator to dig up dirt on the other parent. But in most case these investigators will not specialize in Internet investigations. They will completely overlook the evidence available online.
For instance:
1. A secret MySpace page that includes mention or even pictures of drug use, prostitution, heavy drinking, inappropriate associations.
2. Secret personal ad memberships that may be on swinger sites or extreme fetish sites.
3. Membership in online communities for escort services and their clients.
4. Membership to extreme porn sites or porn cam sites.
5. A secret online blog that describes addictions or other harmful behavior.
An investigator that specializes in uncovering these Internet activities can provide you with an online infidelity report that can tip the scales in your favor when the judge is making that final decision.
If you suspect your opponent in a custody battle may be involved in some perverted online activity you may want to hire an investigator. Before you do so, be sure that the investigator you choose has experience in Internet investigations and locating secret personal ads and social networking sites like Myspace. Do a Google search on their name or their company name to see if they are recognized as an expert in email tracing and online infidelity investigations.
As highlighted in the recent public divorce case of actor Charlie Sheen interest in Internet pornography and online escort services can be submitted to the court for consideration in deciding child custody cases. Likewise in the custody case involving Christie Brinkley and her husband Peter Cook, the judge considered evidence of Mr Cook's spending $3000 a month on Internet porn services. Including one such service where he was caught masturbating on a computer video camera in full view of other members.
Many lawyers will retain the services of a local private investigator to dig up dirt on the other parent. But in most case these investigators will not specialize in Internet investigations. They will completely overlook the evidence available online.
For instance:
1. A secret MySpace page that includes mention or even pictures of drug use, prostitution, heavy drinking, inappropriate associations.
2. Secret personal ad memberships that may be on swinger sites or extreme fetish sites.
3. Membership in online communities for escort services and their clients.
4. Membership to extreme porn sites or porn cam sites.
5. A secret online blog that describes addictions or other harmful behavior.
An investigator that specializes in uncovering these Internet activities can provide you with an online infidelity report that can tip the scales in your favor when the judge is making that final decision.
If you suspect your opponent in a custody battle may be involved in some perverted online activity you may want to hire an investigator. Before you do so, be sure that the investigator you choose has experience in Internet investigations and locating secret personal ads and social networking sites like Myspace. Do a Google search on their name or their company name to see if they are recognized as an expert in email tracing and online infidelity investigations.
Reverse Email Search to Identify a Craigs List Stalker
Have you heard about Craigslist.org? On Craig's List you can find a roommate, a job ,an escort and even a cyber stalker . It's an online classified ad community started by Craig Newmark in 1995 in San Francisco. Since then it has taken off like wildfire and now attracts over 25 million visitors each day from all around the world. When an online community is this popular it inevitably attracts cyber stalkers and scam artists as well. A reverse email search can identify and locate a Craig's List stalker.
What is a Craig's List stalker and how do they operate?
A Craig's List stalker is a person that is taking advantage of the privacy the site affords. Craig knew that people online like to remain anonymous so he utilized a free email forwarding format for users to communicate.
Craig's list is also for the most part a free service. There are small fees for help wanted ads and real estate ads but you can post person ads or rants and raves for free. A Craig's list stalker will use both of these features to use Craig's list as a platform to stalk and harass their victims.
1.They will post the victims name address and phone number to harass them.
2.They will adversities garage sales and post the victims address.
3.They could post an ad in the escort service section and post the victims name and address and phone number.
If you are a victim of an online stalker you can use a professional reverse email search to locate and identify that stalker. Even if they are using Craigslist.org under a fictitious name and set up a free anonymous email account like Hotmail.com or Yahoo.com to stalk you.
Once you have identified this stalker and documented their online harassment you can file a lawsuit to recover damages and file a criminal complaint with the police. You can even get the court to issue a temporary restraining order that will prevent the stalker from even using a computer until the case is tried before a judge.
If you are a victim of this type of online harassment you can hire a professional investigator to do a reverse email search investigation into the online activity of your stalker. They can locate the stalker and return their full name address and phone number. But be sure to do your homework when hiring an investigator. Do a an online search of their name to see if they are recognized as an expert in email tracing and online stalking intervention.
What is a Craig's List stalker and how do they operate?
A Craig's List stalker is a person that is taking advantage of the privacy the site affords. Craig knew that people online like to remain anonymous so he utilized a free email forwarding format for users to communicate.
Craig's list is also for the most part a free service. There are small fees for help wanted ads and real estate ads but you can post person ads or rants and raves for free. A Craig's list stalker will use both of these features to use Craig's list as a platform to stalk and harass their victims.
1.They will post the victims name address and phone number to harass them.
2.They will adversities garage sales and post the victims address.
3.They could post an ad in the escort service section and post the victims name and address and phone number.
If you are a victim of an online stalker you can use a professional reverse email search to locate and identify that stalker. Even if they are using Craigslist.org under a fictitious name and set up a free anonymous email account like Hotmail.com or Yahoo.com to stalk you.
Once you have identified this stalker and documented their online harassment you can file a lawsuit to recover damages and file a criminal complaint with the police. You can even get the court to issue a temporary restraining order that will prevent the stalker from even using a computer until the case is tried before a judge.
If you are a victim of this type of online harassment you can hire a professional investigator to do a reverse email search investigation into the online activity of your stalker. They can locate the stalker and return their full name address and phone number. But be sure to do your homework when hiring an investigator. Do a an online search of their name to see if they are recognized as an expert in email tracing and online stalking intervention.
Find Secret Email Addresses - Protect Yourself From Dishonesty
Is there someone in your life that you once trusted that you now suspect may be living a secret life? something just doesn't seem right about them and they appear to be keeping something from you. Locating a persons secret email address is the first step in locating secret MySpace pages, secret dating service profiles and online escort service memberships.
Many people think they can deceive others and get away with dishonesty by using the Internet. They think they are anonymous and thus will engage in behaviors online that they would never consider doing in real life. They do not realize that every key stroke on a computer leaves a digital trail that can be followed by a trained investigator.
Possible reasons for a secret email account:
1 Infidelity.
Often an unfaithful spouse will set up a secret email account to communicate with their lover.
2. Perverted Interested
Many times a person will set up an anonymous account under a fake name to engage in extreme sexual perversions online. Such as visiting swinger sites, escort services or porn sites.
3. Crime
Fraud, embezzlements and cyber stalking are all reasons why someone would set up a secret email account.
4. Divorce
Sometimes a person contemplating divorce will begin preparing and planning well in advance of serving the divorce documents. They may set up a secret account for communicating with a lawyer, banker or broker to hide financial assets
As you can see there really aren't any nice, innocent, innocuous reasons for maintaining a secret email addresses. The only reason to have an email account no one knows about is to hide shameful or dishonest activity. If you have a suspicious feeling that you are being deceived the first step you should take to uncovering the truth is an email search investigation to uncover secret email accounts.
You can visit an online investigation service that offers this type of search and hire a private investigator to get the facts for you. You'll find that there are only a few investigators qualified to perform this kind of investigation but once you do find one that investigator will also be able to assist you in locating secret Myspace pages and uncover online infidelity.
Be sure to do a Google search on the investigator and his company to see if they are recognized as an expert in Internet investigations. Make sure that they offer many services so if you do locate a secret email account you can go forward to locate hidden bank accounts, and personal ads without incurring unnecessary expenses of a duplicated investigation.
Many people think they can deceive others and get away with dishonesty by using the Internet. They think they are anonymous and thus will engage in behaviors online that they would never consider doing in real life. They do not realize that every key stroke on a computer leaves a digital trail that can be followed by a trained investigator.
Possible reasons for a secret email account:
1 Infidelity.
Often an unfaithful spouse will set up a secret email account to communicate with their lover.
2. Perverted Interested
Many times a person will set up an anonymous account under a fake name to engage in extreme sexual perversions online. Such as visiting swinger sites, escort services or porn sites.
3. Crime
Fraud, embezzlements and cyber stalking are all reasons why someone would set up a secret email account.
4. Divorce
Sometimes a person contemplating divorce will begin preparing and planning well in advance of serving the divorce documents. They may set up a secret account for communicating with a lawyer, banker or broker to hide financial assets
As you can see there really aren't any nice, innocent, innocuous reasons for maintaining a secret email addresses. The only reason to have an email account no one knows about is to hide shameful or dishonest activity. If you have a suspicious feeling that you are being deceived the first step you should take to uncovering the truth is an email search investigation to uncover secret email accounts.
You can visit an online investigation service that offers this type of search and hire a private investigator to get the facts for you. You'll find that there are only a few investigators qualified to perform this kind of investigation but once you do find one that investigator will also be able to assist you in locating secret Myspace pages and uncover online infidelity.
Be sure to do a Google search on the investigator and his company to see if they are recognized as an expert in Internet investigations. Make sure that they offer many services so if you do locate a secret email account you can go forward to locate hidden bank accounts, and personal ads without incurring unnecessary expenses of a duplicated investigation.
How to find Cyber Bully
Are you the target of a Cyber Bully? A recent survey conducted by Edith Cowan University reveals that up to 10 per cent of children say they have been subjected to cyber-bullying over the Internet or on mobile phones.
In the US, 50 per cent of young people were being cyber-bullied and about 30 per cent reported they cyber-bullied others.
In the United Kingdom and Canada, the statistics were 25 per cent.
One reason why there is such a startling rise in this phenomena is that most people still think they are anonymous and untraceable on the Internet. The same study indicates that the Cyber-bullying was often anonymous, with 50 per cent of victims not knowing who was bullying them.
The cyber stalkers think they are untouchable and most of their victims also mistakenly believe it's impossible to locate and identify the person hiding behind an anonymous email account or Myspace page. But it's not. Not anymore.
Today there are private investigators that specialize in Internet email tracing and cyber bullying identifications. These investigators can track down , locate and identify the cyber bully. Then by documenting their investigation and their results they can create a report that can be used in court to prosecute the cyber bully that has crossed over the legal lines.
You can find an investigator to help you unmask your cyber bully by Googling "reverse email trace". Be sure the investigator you choose is considered an expert in the science.
In any case you do not need to fear a cyber bully. Not when there are professionals ready to help you.
In the US, 50 per cent of young people were being cyber-bullied and about 30 per cent reported they cyber-bullied others.
In the United Kingdom and Canada, the statistics were 25 per cent.
One reason why there is such a startling rise in this phenomena is that most people still think they are anonymous and untraceable on the Internet. The same study indicates that the Cyber-bullying was often anonymous, with 50 per cent of victims not knowing who was bullying them.
The cyber stalkers think they are untouchable and most of their victims also mistakenly believe it's impossible to locate and identify the person hiding behind an anonymous email account or Myspace page. But it's not. Not anymore.
Today there are private investigators that specialize in Internet email tracing and cyber bullying identifications. These investigators can track down , locate and identify the cyber bully. Then by documenting their investigation and their results they can create a report that can be used in court to prosecute the cyber bully that has crossed over the legal lines.
You can find an investigator to help you unmask your cyber bully by Googling "reverse email trace". Be sure the investigator you choose is considered an expert in the science.
In any case you do not need to fear a cyber bully. Not when there are professionals ready to help you.
Internet Harassment
Do you ever wonder why the large Internet service providers, social networking sites and message board forums don't do anything to stop cyber harassment and online stalking? It's because the Communications Decency Act of 1996 ("CDA") Section 230(c)(1) shields providers of interactive computer services from liability for the actions of the individuals using those services.
Since they have no liability for the actions of their members they make very little effort to identify them or even discourage the cyber harassment of other members.
Some Cyber Harassment Statistics (2002):
- 62% of Cyber Harassment Victims are Female, primarily ages 18-24.
- Groups most at risk for Cyber Harassment include:
- Women, particularly abused women
- Special Ability Groups
- Minors
- Members of Minority Groups
- New Internet Users
- 62% of all Cyber Stalking Victims are located in the United States
- Cyber Harassers are primarily male, but the number of female cyber harassment offenders is growing steadily.
- 25% of Offenders are personally known by their victims.
If you or someone you know are the target of a cyber stalker or online harassment you don't need to take it lying down. Even though you will get little help from the ISP or social network you can hire a private investigator to perform a reverse email search to locate and identify the stalker. Document their investigation into a report and use that report in court to get justice against your stalker.
If you are ready to fight back and stop being a victim you can begin by searching online for a PI that specialized in Internet investigations and cyber stalking intervention.
Since they have no liability for the actions of their members they make very little effort to identify them or even discourage the cyber harassment of other members.
Some Cyber Harassment Statistics (2002):
- 62% of Cyber Harassment Victims are Female, primarily ages 18-24.
- Groups most at risk for Cyber Harassment include:
- Women, particularly abused women
- Special Ability Groups
- Minors
- Members of Minority Groups
- New Internet Users
- 62% of all Cyber Stalking Victims are located in the United States
- Cyber Harassers are primarily male, but the number of female cyber harassment offenders is growing steadily.
- 25% of Offenders are personally known by their victims.
If you or someone you know are the target of a cyber stalker or online harassment you don't need to take it lying down. Even though you will get little help from the ISP or social network you can hire a private investigator to perform a reverse email search to locate and identify the stalker. Document their investigation into a report and use that report in court to get justice against your stalker.
If you are ready to fight back and stop being a victim you can begin by searching online for a PI that specialized in Internet investigations and cyber stalking intervention.
Internet Sex Addiction
The facts about Internet sex addictions are alarming. It would appear that it's becoming epidemic. It's destroying our families and everyone would agree our children should not be exposed to it.
A recent study indicates one-third of divorce litigation is caused by online affairs.
Statistics show more than 72,000 sexually explicit sites on the web and an estimated 266 new porn sites being added each day. These sites alone generate a revenue of $1 billion dollars each year.
According to an MSNBC survey one in 10 respondents said they are addicted to sex and the Internet, according to an online survey of 38,000 Internet users.
For the most part the Internet has been an anonymous haven for pornography. Until recently it was very difficult to gather evidence about Internet sex addictions. Most people keep their addiction to online porn a secret or at least they try. It was only by chance that their porn addiction was exposed. Yet even if the secret did slip out it was rare that evidence for use in court could be gathered in a manner that would be accepted in a court of law.
Today there are private investigators that specialize in obtaining evidence of online perversions and Internet sex addictions. These investigators can take a persons email address and locate secret online personal ads. Membership to online swinger clubs, secret Myspace pages and memberships to online communities devoted to escort services and their clients. They can even locate porn site memberships a person has.
Their investigation can be documented and reduced to a written report to be used in a court hearing or custody evaluation. This kind of evidence can be overwhelming in court. In fact this evidence can be so strong that you can negotiate a settlement agreement and avoid a costly trail.
If you suspect your spice has an Internet sex addiction and you require proof you can hire a private investigator. There are many investigators that specialize in computer forensics and Internet investigations. When choosing an investigator be sure that they are qualified and considered an expert in Internet and email investigations.
A recent study indicates one-third of divorce litigation is caused by online affairs.
Statistics show more than 72,000 sexually explicit sites on the web and an estimated 266 new porn sites being added each day. These sites alone generate a revenue of $1 billion dollars each year.
According to an MSNBC survey one in 10 respondents said they are addicted to sex and the Internet, according to an online survey of 38,000 Internet users.
For the most part the Internet has been an anonymous haven for pornography. Until recently it was very difficult to gather evidence about Internet sex addictions. Most people keep their addiction to online porn a secret or at least they try. It was only by chance that their porn addiction was exposed. Yet even if the secret did slip out it was rare that evidence for use in court could be gathered in a manner that would be accepted in a court of law.
Today there are private investigators that specialize in obtaining evidence of online perversions and Internet sex addictions. These investigators can take a persons email address and locate secret online personal ads. Membership to online swinger clubs, secret Myspace pages and memberships to online communities devoted to escort services and their clients. They can even locate porn site memberships a person has.
Their investigation can be documented and reduced to a written report to be used in a court hearing or custody evaluation. This kind of evidence can be overwhelming in court. In fact this evidence can be so strong that you can negotiate a settlement agreement and avoid a costly trail.
If you suspect your spice has an Internet sex addiction and you require proof you can hire a private investigator. There are many investigators that specialize in computer forensics and Internet investigations. When choosing an investigator be sure that they are qualified and considered an expert in Internet and email investigations.
File Sharing
A lot of stuff goes on the internet. People shop extensively online. They register for and even take classes online. People do research online, and they conduct legal work online. People advertise online, and they communicate online. The internet has allowed people to expand what they can do and how fast they can do it. Most of the stuff that goes on on the internet is legal. However, there are illegal things that go on on the internet. For example, people hack into others computers. They send viruses to unsuspecting internet users. A lot of fraud also occurs over the internet.
One of the largest crimes that occurs over the internet is illegal file sharing. Illegal file sharing is the exchange of things like television shows, movies, music, and software. People use programs like Kazaa and Limewire to exchange such files. The volume of file sharing on the internet is extensive. Indeed, one study estimates that illegal file sharing has cost record companies around $6 billion over a four-year period, from 1999 to 2003. Additionally, some say that CD sales have also been negatively affected. The Wall Street Journal reported that in 2007 CD sales had dropped around 20% since the previous year. The movie industry has also suffered. Movie studios estimated that in 2005 they lost about $2.3 billion to illegal file sharing. However, this number has been alleged as being too high. Finally, even software exchanging has boomed. Some have estimated that around 25% of all software has been illegally exchanged.
Illegal file sharing over the last 10 years or so has gone through a variety of stages of evolution. Initially, it was based on servers, which held files to be exchanged. If the servers were seized by law enforcement, then files could no longer be exchanged. Then, file sharing went into a different state. It occurred through decentralization. After that, it went through a stage where it would be done indirectly and encrypted. File sharing of this types hides the identities of the individuals exchanging files. The most recent stage of such evolution has been peer-to-peer networks, whereby servers are not even involved and people exchange files directly.
Penalties and prosecution for illegal file sharing is severe. The FBI has faced heavy pressure from the movie and recording industries to clamp down on illegal file sharing. In fact, large numbers of people--though nowhere near a majority--who exchange files have been caught. Aside from criminal prosecution, they have also faced civil suits from record and movie companies.
One of the largest crimes that occurs over the internet is illegal file sharing. Illegal file sharing is the exchange of things like television shows, movies, music, and software. People use programs like Kazaa and Limewire to exchange such files. The volume of file sharing on the internet is extensive. Indeed, one study estimates that illegal file sharing has cost record companies around $6 billion over a four-year period, from 1999 to 2003. Additionally, some say that CD sales have also been negatively affected. The Wall Street Journal reported that in 2007 CD sales had dropped around 20% since the previous year. The movie industry has also suffered. Movie studios estimated that in 2005 they lost about $2.3 billion to illegal file sharing. However, this number has been alleged as being too high. Finally, even software exchanging has boomed. Some have estimated that around 25% of all software has been illegally exchanged.
Illegal file sharing over the last 10 years or so has gone through a variety of stages of evolution. Initially, it was based on servers, which held files to be exchanged. If the servers were seized by law enforcement, then files could no longer be exchanged. Then, file sharing went into a different state. It occurred through decentralization. After that, it went through a stage where it would be done indirectly and encrypted. File sharing of this types hides the identities of the individuals exchanging files. The most recent stage of such evolution has been peer-to-peer networks, whereby servers are not even involved and people exchange files directly.
Penalties and prosecution for illegal file sharing is severe. The FBI has faced heavy pressure from the movie and recording industries to clamp down on illegal file sharing. In fact, large numbers of people--though nowhere near a majority--who exchange files have been caught. Aside from criminal prosecution, they have also faced civil suits from record and movie companies.
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