A new program that blocks unwanted IP addresses may allow illegal file-sharers to avoid the legal consequences from downloading copyrighted material.
The program, called Protowall, works by using a database of IP addresses used by the recording and movie industries to help catch illegal file-swappers.
Computers using those addresses are prevented from accessing the files of Protowall users.
Richard, a Penn sophomore named who declined to give his last name, turned to Protowall after an incident last year.
An avid music and movie downloader, Richard said that after he downloaded the movie 21 Grams, he received a threatening letter from the Motion Picture Association of America.
Because of the letter, he said he "started looking into how people protect themselves" from being caught for illegal downloading.
Richard said one advantage of Protowall is that it "regulates every single [file] that goes from your computer to another computer."
According to Protowall's Web site, the program uses a central database of "bad" IP addresses. Any member of the public can sign up at Protowall's Web site to help update the database.
Still, some computer experts are skeptical about programs like Protowall.
College House Computing Program Coordinator Mike La-Monaca said that there are no guarantees when it comes to programs that claim to block unwanted IP addresses.
"Some drivers employ speed radar detectors but find themselves surprised when they get pulled over for speeding. People who rely on computer technology to illegally share copyrighted materials may find themselves just as surprised when they get caught," LaMonaca said.
Engineering senior and Information Technology Adviser Mehal Shah agreed, saying that he finds it hard to believe that Protowall can really keep away all unwanted IP addresses.
"I'm skeptical you can even find an IP address from the [Recording Industry Association of America] or MPAA," Shah said.
However, Richard remains "somewhat confident"in the program.
"I have 900 million IP addresses blocked," he said.
The uncertainty of Protowall's ability to block unwanted IP addresses has made some Penn students reluctant to use the program.
"I wouldn't use [Protowall] because of all the actions against people that share files illegally," Engineering junior Ann Chempakaseril said.
The end result of programs like Protowall is still unclear.
"The record companies appear to be fighting a losing battle," Richard said.
But LaMonaca said he "expects that the battle between media associations and illegal file-sharers will continue to become more sophisticated, as each side needs to keep up technologically with the other. Ultimately though, the media associations have the law on their side."
The creators of Protowall could not be reached for comment.
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