On P2P file-sharing

Abstract

P2P (Peer-to-Peer) file-sharing or file-swapping has led to many disputes about copyright laws and has become “a worldwide problem.” This paper first describes the development of P2P and then discusses some of the disputes concerning Chinese copyright laws. Given the difficulties in implementing copyright laws in China and many other countries, I next analyze the reasons why and the conditions under which P2P developed, its impact on music production, and some other general economic, social, and ethical implications of this technology. The paper recognizes, on the one hand, the significance of P2P as an advanced technology for popularizing music and sharing human and spiritual values with more people. On the other hand, it points to several critical issues caused by the current illegal use of this technology for sharing copyrighted music files: e.g., the serious damage to music production and the infringement on copyright holders’ interests. I argue that the technological conditions, social demands, and problems with the current type of music production have deepened the present crisis, and so I call for a new type of music production. Legislation should enhance such a development, support P2P technology in the interest of the public, protect copyrights, and regulate P2P stakeholders’ interests in a balanced manner according to the ethics of law.