TorrentSpy freezes out US searchers
p2pnet news | Freedom:- “TorrentSpy has the most comprehensive database of torrents on the internet,” it says. “This search engine makes it easy for you to find exactly what you are looking for within seconds.”
That applies to Canadians, but not Americans.
The torrent dump site has told users it’ll never monitor them without their consent, but the entertainment spindustry wants that changed so it can compel site owner Justin Bunnell to reveal information which can then be used in anti-P2P, anti-filesharing court cases.
The new ban is the result of a major online chill caused by corporate lawsuits in the US.
Bunnell instituted it because he fears the privacy of US users could be compromised.
When US surfers try to run a search, here’s what they see, according to TechBlorge:
Sorry, but because you are located in the USA you cannot use the search features of the Torrentspy.com website. Torrentspy’s decision to stop accepting US visitors was NOT compelled by any Court but rather an uncertain legal climate in the US regarding user privacy and an apparent tension between US and European Union privacy laws.
“Uncertain legal climate” is a very considerable understatement.
America has become a virtual police state controlled principally by the entertainment cartels with the major software and hardware houses in the wings.
Torrentfreak spoke to Bunnell who said, among other things:
We must comply with European Union privacy laws and turning off USA traffic was the only way to guarantee that protection for our users.
It is not something with a time limit.
Like p2pnet, Torrentspy doesn’t keep server log data, material copyright cartels would dearly love to get their hands on so they can use it to identify alleged downloaders.
IP addresses are stored briefly in random access memory (RAM) .
Of course, if the demands are met, the consequences will have ramifications which go far beyond P2P filesharing.
It’ll be a black day for the Net if the cartels are able to make a case to compel site owners to log visits, to retain the information and pass it on to the major music labels, movie studios and software companies.
Stay tuned.
Jon Newton - p2pnet
Also See:
spindustry wants that changed – TorrentSpy ordered to track users, June 9, 2007
TechBlorge – TorrentSpy cuts service to US following action by MPAA, August 27, 2007
Torrentfreak – TorrentSpy Blocks Searches From US Visitors, August 27, 2007
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August 28th, 2007 at 10:58 am
Well, you can’t spell Torrent without TOR. (hint-hint)
August 28th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
torrentspy can be called TORrent Spy. If visitors use tor then the goons at the RIAA will most likely sue the owners of computers on the tor network, especially those whose IP addresses are logged by torrentspy. THAT will really be damaging for privacy on the net.
August 28th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
Torrentspy blocking US Users, Hmm I get on there just fine.
Just go to a Web Proxy site and torrentspy comes up just fine, just make sure your web proxy is NON-US Based.
Ha ha
August 28th, 2007 at 10:43 pm
OH And I forgot to mention F.U.C.K The Usa and there facist ways and F.U.C.K. MPAA and RIAA
August 29th, 2007 at 12:28 am
FUCK YOU! Stupid asshole that downs the USA just because the MPAA and RIAA reside here!
There are people who are AGAINST those groups and they are also in the USA…. DUMBASS!
August 29th, 2007 at 12:45 am
Dear anonymouse at 10:43 pm, before you go and start F’ing an entire nation, please take the following test, to make sure you can tell THEM to F#$K off properly
http://www.better-english.com/easier/theyre.htm
Once you pass this easy little test, I’m sure you’ll be able to use there and their in THEIR proper context.
Thank you
August 29th, 2007 at 6:11 am
I meant to say F.U.C.K The Whole God-Dam Planet not just the USA.
Especially since there’s So many A.S.S. Holes Like you guys.
August 29th, 2007 at 6:19 am
*sigh*
well im glad to see this conversation is coming along so peaceably and intelligently.