Is it necessary for the Lw syetem to reveal the user's IP during either UL, DL or searches.

Could the developers of the software not find a way of ensuring the anonimity of users?? Maybe by having a voluntary username system or suchlike?

What are the reasons for allowing IPs to be revealed? Is it possible to even set up any of the Gnutella programs to conceal the information of end users?

Would be very interested to hear from anyone with specific knowledge of the systems etc.

Thanks for your time.

"I do not fear computers, I fear the power that they put into the hands of man"

No.

Morgwen

Quote: No.

Why not?

IP addresses are used by your provider to establish a connection without these information it wouldn´t be possible to connect to an other user.

Its like someone will write you a letter but didn´t have your address...

Morgwen

So there is no way for the programme to act as an intermediary, to hold the address but not allow access to the end user say, uploading?

For instance, using the eg of adresses, you could have a post office box where the letter is forwarded to your real address. The sender never actually has the opportunity to find out your "real" address.

Is nothing like this possible using a software programme?

AFAIK there are ways, perhaps you should ask google. But I can´t you tell for sure how effective they are.

I never opened a post office box, but as far as I know you have to show your identity card to get one. So if you are doing anything illegal a jugde could force your post office service to give them the dates. Internet is working similar. You need a provider who have your true name and dates, while you are connected to the internet you get a IP, so its only possible to get your IP and your provider not your true address - at least not as long they aren´t forced to do it.

Of course you can use many "post boxes" but in theory its always possible to discover the original address. Some people say its possible to hide your IP but as I said I am not sure how reliable this is, perhaps you should do a research with google.

If it works you don´t need to wait for Limewire, just use it.

Morgwen

I get your point with the ID and the ability of, say, a judge, to get information if it was necessary for an investigation. However, the actual presence of IP provides the stimulus that allows individuals to be detected. Without knowing which individuals downloaded, would there ever be such stimulus to investigate?

Could a legal body approach for instance Limwire and force them to produce blanket details of all users? and their UL/ DL habits?

Am I to believe that is beyond the abilities of those who have created these programmes to protect the identities of those using their systems. In a perverse way, the best users, the ones who share the most, are put most at risk by the issues raised. Curtailing the problem would surely benefit all as safer systems would entice more people to file share and encourage current users to share more.

Not being able to continually tack the file shairng activities of an individual, how could anybody ever investigate the activities of this person?? Of course while there is a trail of data there will also be the inherent risks of detection, but surely there are measures that can be taken to reduce or prevent such immediate access to what is essentially personal data?

Yes this is true.

Good question I am not working for the RIAA and I am no lawyer.

No, this isn´t possible. Limewire has no records about what you or an other person is downloading. After you connected to Gnutella you are connected to people like you and me from where you download/upload the files. Perhaps you should read a few articles about how P2P works to understand more.

The problem is that Limwewire is open source, EVERYBODY can view the code and see which protection Limewire uses and a protection which is known isn´t existent. Such a protection would only work with closed source clients... as I said the best way is to search the net for a private solution.

I recently had a discussion with one of the developers about freeloaders... my opinion they don´t care if the people share or not as long they buy the product Limewire. Its possible to disable sharing with Limewire you just need a few clicks for it. They wouldn´t offer such features if they would really care if the people share or not. The pervers thing which I also said to this developer is that if nobody shares nobody would buy Limewire and they wouldn´t have a job... he never replied to this statement.

Yes it wouldn´t be possible.

Morgwen

Thanks for taking the time to reply to each point.