Evolution of File Sharing

Peer-to-peer file sharing has been around for quite some time now. Starting way back, it became more prominent within the early 2000’s as technology became more advanced. LimeWire was amongst one of the earliest platforms that allowed its users to share not only music, which is what it was predominantly used for, but also gave access to sharing movies, and other computer programs. Within the earlier 2000’s, when LimeWire was popularly used, it had millions of users sharing files on a day to day basis, myself included. For me, and like many others, LimeWire was a source used mainly to download popular songs onto my iPod and computer in order to create playlists without having to pay Apple $1.99 to download each and every song I wanted to have at my fingertips. With this way of freely downloading music, comes the disadvantage and destruction it causes to the artists that make up the music industry.

Unfortunately, LimeWire had become under the watchful eye of authorities due to copyright infringement. In 2006, a major between LimeWire and authorities took place until 2010, when the NY courts ruled on the side of the record labels and RIAA, forcing LimeWire to shut down in 2010. LimeWire managed to take billions of dollars, if not trillions, away from the music industries due to its free downloads. It had also been found that throughout LimeWire’s reign, hackers took advantage of file sharing by using this platform to spread viruses to the programs users. Every so often, I too experienced viruses popping up on my computer when I was younger using this platform and thinking nothing of them.

Even though LimeWire shut down, individuals didn’t stop thinking and creating new ways to expand to share files amongst one another. Today, individuals use platforms such as SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Music; being a few of the more popular ones that have evolved from the mistakes of the prior platforms. With these sources of music, movies, and other media forms engaged in sharing, people are able to share amongst one another in an environment that is safer and legal. Within each of these platforms, individuals are able to download music already made and released by popular artists, and are given the eligibility to create their own music and publish it for people across the world to experience.

Each platform is free to download, with the exception of Apple Music that comes with each iPhone. SoundCloud and Spotify are two that are very similar. They are free to download the app, but the music never leaves the app. They allow you to save songs to your library that is within the app, but have you pay in order to receive exclusive features, such as uploading your own songs, creating organized playlists, listening free of ads, and being able to skip songs freely. Apple Music allows the individual to download unlimited songs and playlists straight into their iPhone’s libraries for $4.99 a month, which is significantly cheaper than paying $1.99 for each, every time. It also allows its users to create playlists, and send them to their friends, in which the playlist then received will be saved to their library. This new advancement within file sharing saves everyone from the chance of viruses and copyright issues, in which users of file sharing can go about sharing peacefully, legally, and for a reasonable price, or free if you choose to not upgrade to premium features each platform offers.

References:
Industry: What Happened To Limewire.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 21 Mar. 2018, 
      www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2018/03/21/what-happened-to-the-piracy-sites-that-nearly-
      destroyed-the-music-industry-limewire/#61ef275432d7.

Lewis, Jaren. “Spotify Vs Pandora Vs Apple Music Vs Soundcloud: Which Is Better For 
    Musicians?”, www.omarimc.com/spotify-vs-pandora-vs-apple-music-vs-soundcloud-which-is-
    better-for-musicians/.

McIntyre, Hugh. “The Piracy Sites That Nearly Destroyed The Music 

Tobies, V. “LimeWire Alternatives and Reviews.” 7 Best LimeWire Alternatives | Reviews | Pros & 
     Cons - Alternative.me, Alternative.me, 29 Jan. 2019.