Can Limewire Searches Be Tracked?

Downloading great music is tempting, but could be illegal.

LimeWire is a popular file sharing website and software. Using the service and its legality has been debated by the music industry, software manufacturers and the U.S. As of October 2010, LimeWire has been shut down by Federal Authorities.

Tracking

Yes, LimeWire can be searched and tracked. Because it's a shareware, it connects you to someone else's computer and documents the IP address (the numeric value that identities your device when it's connected to the network) for everyone who uploads and downloads files. Law enforcement officials can connect to the site and monitor activity just as any other user.

Significance

The entertainment industry has been the front-runner in pressuring the government and law officials to go after people who download content from sites like LimeWire. The first action against the users can be a cease and desist letter sent by the Internet service provider, warning the user that they are being watched and to stop their actions.

Legality

Music and movies are not the only illegal downloads that a person can face charges for. Child pornography is also illegal and can be shared through LimeWire. File sharing in itself, as of 2010, has yet to be made illegal since the concept behind it is that file sharing is akin to lending a friend a CD.

References

• "Media and Entertainment Law"; Sandi Towers-Romero, Sandi Towers; 2008
• "Steal this File Sharing Book: What They Won't Tell You About File Sharing"; Wally Wang; 2004
• LimeWire

Resources

• NUIT; Avoid Illegal Downloading, File Sharing, and Unknown Uploads
• RIAA; For Students Doing Reports