New Tool Defeats File-sharing Applications

A new tool from the recording and film industries uninstalls or disables P2P applications, and it scans computers for illegal copies of songs or movies and deletes them. Digital File Check was developed by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) in conjunction with the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and is available free from the IFPI Web site. A statement from the IFPI noted that the tool does not report evidence of file sharing to any antipiracy organization. Rather, it is designed as an aid to parents and employers who want to discourage children and employees from using computers to violate copyrights. The IFPI will also publish a guide called “Copyright and Security Guide for Companies and Governments” that offers advice to employers about the risks they face by failing to prevent copyright violations on their networks.

ZDNet, 23 September 2005